A Visiting Scholar Presentation
"Luck, Wealth, Longevity and Happiness:
Symbolism in Chinese Art"

Dr. Catherine Pagani

Symbolism holds an important place in Chinese culture and art. Found between both the peasant and elite strata of society, symbolic messages offer wishes ranging from prosperity to immortality. Drawing from Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, as well as ancient myths and legends, these symbols were believed to have the power to effect change and could offer a means of communication with the spirit world.

Symbols communicated to the illiterate and educated equally are found on a variety of art forms. Using slides of art objects including porcelain, textiles, jade, paper cuts and woodblock prints, Pagani discusses the social and cultural significance of these various symbols to Chinese society.

Friends of Houston Cole Library are hosting this program of "Symbolism in Chinese Art" through the Alabama Humanities Foundation (AHF) Road Scholars Program. The featured speaker is Dr. Catherine Pagani, Ph.D., Professor of Art at the University of Alabama. Her appearance is sponsored by the AHF Road Scholars Program.

This program is set for Wednesday, April 9th, Room 1103B, Houston Cole Library beginning at 2:00 p.m. There is no admission charge.

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