Images of China, between 1900 and 1950, "told" by an excellent photographic documentation. Visions of China of yesteryear with the eyes and the camera lenses of the Xaverian Missionaries.

In the 1850s, the Qing dynasty found itself in a period of decline. The European nations took advantage of the situation and impose their trades (Opium War 1839-1840), demanding concessions of sea ports and extra-territorial privileges. The reaction of the Chinese people was manifested above all in the year 1900 with the Boxer insurrection. This was followed by a struggling period that led to the end of the dynasty and the establishment of the Republic (1912).

The following years saw wars, and the occupation of China by Japan. The unification of the country took place in 1949 with the start of the People's Republic of China.

""The many close-ups of these images draw an intense participation: pain, famine, misery are read in the faces of the elderly; the joy of children explodes in their smiles; simple gestures, awe-filled wonder before statues of the Crucifix or the Madonna. The camera lenses capture and enhance the beauty of a civilization, the tenacity of the people, often tormented by historical upheavals, but always able to rise with dignity and inner strength ". (Luigi Lanzi)

The Xaverian missionaries, even though they entered China for religious reasons, found themselves involved in the events of the Chinese people, took part in its sufferings, and tried to alleviate them with great dedication. This volume illustrates the times and the events of their mission in China, from 1899 to 1954.

Edition CSAM, Brescia, 1998 - Fotoincisa Reprolit srl, e Tecnografica snc Parma
Centro Internazionale Arte e Cultura, Parma - Text in Italian, English and Chinese. Pages 190. Price: €15.