Hong Kong Art Exhibits Tell Old Story

Societies resist change. This is nothing new in the human experience. For thousands of years all societies have worked hard at this by placing restrictions on the interaction between different cultures. As a result, people have often been separated based purely on their race and culture. In America the story is the same. The history of race-based discrimination is an established fact. It has always been a natural impulse of all people to make judgments about other people who appear to be "different." After all, if a person believes in the inherent "superiority" of their culture then it is reasonable to assume such a person will want foreign influence in their society to be kept to a minimum. This would no doubt be the very least expectation! In East Asia there is evidence of an anti-foreign bias in the picture art of the Hong Kong Museum of Art. It is interesting to understand the details of how the Chinese deliberately ordered their society's law to limit the influence of Western people, especially in the first half of the 19th century. The Chinese, almost two centuries ago, seemed to understand that the influence of the "West" was a definite means of economic advantage. However, they also perceived Westerners to be a potential threat to their way of life. The art of Hong Kong tells a very specific story about this period of time that is worthy of careful consideration. While the earliest restrictions might appear to suggest that "foreigners" were not wanted, this conclusion is actually incorrect. The restrictions placed by the Chinese on foreigners were indeed designed to limit Western influence. However, they also demonstrate a real tolerance of Western influence as well. The exhibit called "The Map of the City of Canton and its Suburbs" of 1840 indicates that foreigners were restricted by the Qing government. These rules covered mainly restraints in lodging, mobility, employment of the Chinese, communication with authorities, loan arrangements with Chinese merchants, means of transportation, and conveyance of weapons. The core restriction imposed on foreigners by the Qing government was primarily that of lodging. As soon as they arrived, foreigners were sequestered in "foreign factories." There was a specified quarter of the southwestern suburb of the city of Canton where they resided. They would conduct their business with the assistance of a small group of Chinese staff. The restrictions on lodging naturally gave force to another restriction, namely that of mobility in Chinese society. It became a great concern for the Qing government who had reiterated their great concern repeatedly. In enforcement, the idea was to confine foreign persons within the factories in the suburb, forbid them to walk around at will, and even assign Chinese translators to accompany them on specific days to other restricted areas. The picture art of this period often portrays the old Chinese society devoid of foreign influence with a few exceptions. One exception is the exhibit "Polly the Hat Maker's Shop- China Street New" of 1830. In this particular exception the presence of foreigners is portrayed but they are shown with obvious restrictions in place. The pictorial examples shown are not adequate to prove all of the regulations were normal everywhere. After all, the restrictions covered rules and restraints in aspects other than lodging and mobility. What is very evident is that Chinese tolerance and the "loosening grip" on foreigners was in progress. China was beginning to accept the presence of foreign influence, particularly the Western variety. If not, why was the Qing government so concerned about the proper enforcement of these "restrictions?" The times were changing even then! Harlan Urwiler is the CEO of HRU Enterprises, Inc. He is an expert author on the subjects of Asian history, culture, art, and collectibles. You may feel free to visit the company's website at: http://www.myorientalgallery.com. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our business or products via our contact information. Order gifts of $50 or more today and receive huge savings with your purchase. We look forward to hearing from you soon!