New China Eyewitness

Discover the captivating narrative of 'New China Eyewitness', a hardback book that recounts the extraordinary journey of prominent New Zealanders to the People’s Republic of China in 1956. Authored by Beattie & Bullen and published by Canterbury University Press, this 176-page volume (173 x 240 mm) is more than just a history book; it is a window into the past where art, culture, and diplomacy intersect. Through the eloquent diary of Dr. Roger Duff, the director of Canterbury Museum, readers are taken on an intimate journey showcasing the efforts to acquire New Zealand's largest collection of Chinese art. This remarkable collection, gifted by Rewi Alley, a long-time resident of China, reflects a period marked by social and political evolution in one of the world’s most enigmatic countries.

Join Dr. Duff as he skillfully navigates diplomatic channels, coordinating with premier Zhou Enlai to secure permission for the export of priceless antiquities despite strict regulations. The arrival of these seven crates of treasures laid the foundation for Canterbury Museum’s Hall of Oriental Arts, fostering a rich cultural appreciation and diversifying museum collections dedicated to Chinese art. Beautifully illustrated, 'New China Eyewitness' presents not just a historical account but a thought-provoking exploration of the cultural dynamics at play during a time of unprecedented political tolerance. This essential read is perfect for history enthusiasts, art collectors, and anyone curious about China’s past and the interplay of cultures in a rapidly changing world.

Author: Beattie & Bullen Publisher: Canterbury University Press
Bind: hardback
Dimensions: 173 x 240 mm
Pages: 176
Publication Date: 07-12-2017

‘New China Eyewitness’ is the fascinating account of the 1956 visit to the People’s Republic of China by a group of prominent New Zealanders - including Roger Duff, James Bertram, Evelyn Page, Angus Ross and Ormond Wilson - and of how Canterbury Museum came to acquire the largest collection of Chinese art in New Zealand. At the centre of the book is the eloquent diary kept by Canterbury Museum director Dr Roger Duff, detailing his efforts to bring to Christchurch the collection of antiquities gifted to the museum by long-time China resident, New Zealander Rewi Alley. Through Alley’s contacts with premier Zhou Enlai and Duff’s diplomatic skills they obtained the sanction of the Chinese government to circumvent its own export ban on antiquities and permit the gifting of seven crates of treasures to Christchurch. These objects were the basis for the museum’s Hall of Oriental Arts and their arrival led to a collections policy dedicated to Chinese art. Beautifully written and illustrated, ‘New China Eyewitness’ offers a rare glimpse of foreigners’ views of China during a period of rapid social, political and cultural change, and at a time of unusual political and cultural tolerance.