The Development of Museology in 1930s China: Western Influences and Early Reflections.

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Title: The Development of Museology in 1930s China: Western Influences and Early Reflections.
Authors: Sterk, Daphné1 (AUTHOR) daphnesterk@cuhk.edu.hk
Source: Curator. Oct2025, Vol. 68 Issue 4, p656-672. 17p.
Subject Terms: *Cultural identity, Museum techniques, Museum curators, Sociocultural factors, Interwar Period (1918-1939)
Geographic Terms: China
Abstract: This article explores the emergence of museology in China during the 1930s, tracing its development through the establishment of the Museums Association of China and the analysis of early publications. It examines the influence of Western concepts on Chinese museum theory and practice, particularly regarding exhibition techniques. Despite a primary theoretical focus, efforts were made to implement pioneering approaches. The study reveals the complexity of early Chinese museums, reflecting the tensions between national essence and foreign influence. These institutions played a critical role in the discourse on cultural identity and nation building, highlighting the delicate balance between preserving heritage and embracing Western methodologies. Through this lens, the article sheds light on the early days of museums in Republican China amidst political, intellectual, and cultural transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Curator is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Education Research Complete
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DbLabel: Education Research Complete
An: 188962934
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  Data: The Development of Museology in 1930s China: Western Influences and Early Reflections.
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  Data: This article explores the emergence of museology in China during the 1930s, tracing its development through the establishment of the Museums Association of China and the analysis of early publications. It examines the influence of Western concepts on Chinese museum theory and practice, particularly regarding exhibition techniques. Despite a primary theoretical focus, efforts were made to implement pioneering approaches. The study reveals the complexity of early Chinese museums, reflecting the tensions between national essence and foreign influence. These institutions played a critical role in the discourse on cultural identity and nation building, highlighting the delicate balance between preserving heritage and embracing Western methodologies. Through this lens, the article sheds light on the early days of museums in Republican China amidst political, intellectual, and cultural transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Curator is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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RecordInfo BibRecord:
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    Identifiers:
      – Type: doi
        Value: 10.1111/cura.12676
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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        PageCount: 17
        StartPage: 656
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Cultural identity
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Museum techniques
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Museum curators
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Sociocultural factors
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Interwar Period (1918-1939)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: China
        Type: general
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      – TitleFull: The Development of Museology in 1930s China: Western Influences and Early Reflections.
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              M: 10
              Text: Oct2025
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              Y: 2025
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              Value: 68
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