An introduction to the history and material culture of Ming books and manuscripts
May 4, 2026 – July 27, 2026 | 4 – 5:30 p.m. PDT
Presented by UCLA Library, The Claremont Colleges Library and Columbia University Libraries. This project was made possible in part by an award from the James P. Geiss and Margaret Y. Hsu Foundation.
The Materiality of Ming Books and Manuscripts lecture series brings together 13 scholars from North America and China to explore the history and material culture of Ming books and manuscripts. Speakers will present both foundational and recent research, offering essential context for a broad audience, including librarians seeking to build expertise in primary source materials and Object-Based Learning (OBL) instruction.
The series is designed to enhance awareness, strengthen professional competencies and deepen understanding of East Asian cultural heritage. Online sessions will introduce Ming books and manuscripts, while a future in-person residency will offer hands-on engagement with primary sources for selected participants.
Programs will be delivered in either English or Chinese with live, simultaneous English translation.
Click for more information and to register.
LECTURES
May 4: From the Social History of Books to the Social Life of Things: An Overview of Developments in the China Field
May 11: Production, Publication and Organizational Framework of Ming Dynasty Buddhist Texts *
May 18: Compilation, Production, Publication and Structural Framework of Ming Dynasty Local Gazetteers (difangzhi) *
May 25: The Textual Construction of Genealogies in the Ming Dynasty
June 1: The Transformation and Transregional Spread of the Ming Buddhist Tripitaka *
June 8: An Era of Splendor: the Color Woodblock Prints and the Art of Classical Flower Manuals in the Ming *
June 15: The Compilation and Publication of Ming Dynasty Local Gazetteers Viewed Through Their Material and Structural Elements
June 22: Distribution and Characteristics of Fine Ming Dynasty Editions Held in North American Collections
June 29: Movable-type Printing Activities in the Ming Dynasty and Publications Produced Using Movable Type *
July 6: Configuring Ming-period Buddhist Texts and Images: Continuities and Changes
July 13: Ming Material Culture: The Example of Ming Books
July 20: Research on and Authentication of Fine Editions from the Ming Dynasty *
July 27: Buddhist and Daoist Illustrated Prints in the Ming Dynasty
* Program delivered in Chinese with simultaneous English translation