Curious Christian

Reflections on culture, nature, and spirituality from a Christian perspective

Chinese Christian Art: Arriving at Bethlehem

Published by

Matt Stone

2012-11-26

As we approach Christmas I find myself drawn once again to the way Christmas scenes have been depicted across different cultures.

This image, from an unknown Chinese artist, depicts Joseph and the heavily pregnant Mary arriving at Bethlehem, looking for some overnight accommodation but not having much luck.

I find myself reflecting, with the party season upon us, how many in the world struggle with hunger and homelessness. The Messiah identified with them first.

Tags Art, Asian, Chinese, Nativity

5 responses to “Chinese Christian Art: Arriving at Bethlehem”

Victoria Emily Jones

2012-11-27

The artist is Bai Huiqun (Pai Hui-ch’un), and he painted this watercolor in the 1930s or ’40s in Beijing with the title “There was No Place for Them to Stay.” It is now in the collection of the University of San Francisco Ricci Institute. You can view some of his other work, and that of similar artists, here: http://usf.usfca.edu/ricci//collection/exhibits/celestialicons/images.htm. Beautiful!

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Victoria Emily Jones

2012-11-27

Sorry, the URL is picking up the period. Try this instead: http://usf.usfca.edu/ricci/library/exhibits/celestialicons/images.htm

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Mike Harrison

2012-12-12

Thank you Matt for sharing this beautiful chinese art of Joseph and Mary and also many thanks to Victoria for introducing the artist.
Mike Harrison
http://www.marysblessing.com

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Matt Stone

2012-12-14

Thanks for the links Victoria. The other images are excellent as well.

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John W. Morehead

2013-01-13

The Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre art in Hong Kong has long appealed to me.

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