Wang Shixiang

Wang Shixiang (May 25, 1914 in Beijing – November 28, 2009) was a Chinese researcher of traditional Chinese culture, leading art collector, poet, and Chinese character calligrapher.

Life Wang was born into a wealthy Beijing family with ancestral roots in Fuzhou, who were at the Qing dynasty court for three generations. His father was a diplomat. The rich family background contributed to Wang's talent and sensitivity towards classic Chinese culture. From puberty to about age 25, Wang led the life of a dandy. He did not go to school; he loved playing cricket as well as breeding and training pigeons and eagles. His life changed dramatically at the age of 25, when his mother Jin Zhang (artist) died. He dropped the reveler's life and devoted himself to study and writing.

His art collection was an inspiration for craftsmen and scientists worldwide. During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), his collection was seized by the Chinese authorities, though after the revolution the collection was returned to him. In 2003 it became part of the Chinese national heritage.

Later, he became a researcher for the State Administration of Cultural Heritage. During the 1980s, he made regular contributions to the newspaper China Daily. Through other channels, he published much about the investigation he conducted, as is found in the dozens of books he left behind. His publications are in some cases the only available information on specific topics.

Work Wang was internationally known for his extensive study of a wide range of cultural relics, artifacts, and manifestations, including: furniture, Chinese lacquer art, bamboo carvings, pigeon whistles, a large number of traditional crafts and music. His knowledge ranged from trivial matters to esoteric, from Chinese manuscripts and objects to intangible cultural affairs.

Bibliography (English Selection) 1989: Bamboo Carving of China, Wan-go Weng, 1990: Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture: Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, Shih-Hsiang Wang, 1991: Classic Chinese Furniture: Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, 1993: The Charms of the Gourd, Shixiang Wang, 1995: Masterpieces from the Museum of Classical Furnitures, Shih-Hsiang Wang & Curtis Evarts, 1998: Classical and Vernacular Chinese Furniture in the Living Environment, Kai-Yin Lo, 1999: Beijing Pigeon Whistles, Shixiang Wang, 2000: Beyond the Screen: Chinese Furniture of the 16th and 17th, Craig Clunas & Malcolm Rogers, 2000: RulesCraft Qing Dynasty, Part 1 and 2

Awards In 1985, Wang won an award from the Chinese Ministry of Culture where he was described as one of the most distinguished individuals in the fields of culture, tradition and history, and museum studies.

Literature Chen Zhou (2002) Biography Wang Shixiang,