China’s Culture in Europe in 18 Century
In 18 Century, China was controlled by Qianlong Dynasty, and it’s a very prosperous time of China. Europe was very interested in China during that time and they were influenced by China in many areas, such like consumption, dress, literature, science and even education.
King Louis XIV admired China’s culture very much. And one day he hold a very fancy party, and he dressed China style clothes and sit down on a luxury Chinese chair. Everybody was very surprised by that. And this is just one part of the China fashion in Europe. King Louis XVI who likes China cultuer very much and sited in the China style chair with Chinese dress.
The missionaries in Europe who have been China brought lots of Chinese literature book to Europe. And they described China as a very great country. Matteo Ricci brought “The Four books” and “Five Classics” from China to Europe. And his “the Diary of Matteo Ricci” describes the thoughts of China’s morals and religions. People like Matteo Ricci introduced China’s culture and influences to Europe. Then a great fashion of “Chinoiserie” appeared later in Europe.
After the Great French Revolution, French brought China’s imperial examination system to their government and education because it can make poor people become nobles.
