In Our Time Matteo Ricci and the Ming Dynasty
Apr 16, 2015
Mary Laven, a Reader in Early Modern History, shares insights on Matteo Ricci's transformative mission in 16th-century China. Craig Clunas, an expert in the History of Art, discusses the cultural context of Ricci's innovative approaches, including his world map and translation of Chinese characters. Anne Gerritsen explores the Jesuits' adaptation to Confucian beliefs while navigating challenges in a complex spiritual landscape. Together, they highlight Ricci's profound impact on European perceptions of China and his legacy in fostering dialogue between East and West.
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Confucian Fluency Enabled Elite Access
- Ricci developed sophisticated knowledge of Confucian texts and conversed with scholars after years of immersion.
- His goal remained imperial recognition as a path to wider legitimacy.
In The Court Circles But Not Facing The Emperor
- Ricci reached Beijing and the Forbidden City circles but never secured a face-to-face imperial audience.
- He gained influential bureaucratic contacts while imperial access remained mediated and limited.
Eunuchs: Gatekeepers Ricci Both Needed And Scorned
- Eunuchs formed a powerful imperial buffer and Ricci both despised and relied on them, often bribing for access.
- This tension shows the pragmatic compromises behind missionary influence.