S5 Ep2: The Beauty of Blue with Richard Pegg
About this episode
Jerry Brotton interviews Dr. Richard A. Pegg about the significance and artistry of Qing Dynasty maps.
This week, Jerry meets Dr. Richard A. Pegg, the Director and Curator of Asian Art at the MacLean Collection, Asian map aficionado, and proud owner of Blue China Map shoes! The MacLean Collection is an astonishing private collection of Asian art and global cartography. Based in Chicago, it is home to over 5,000 historic artefacts and more than 35,000 maps. In this episode, Richard and Jerry discuss two majestic maps from the Qing Dynasty, known colloquially as the ‘Blue China Maps’: the ‘Complete Geographical Map of the Everlasting Qing Dynasty’ by Huang Qianren (pron. Hwang Chien-ren) (c.1820) and the ‘Complete Celestial Chart of Equatorial Fixed Stars’ by Yunyou Sanren (pron. Yün-yo (like a German ü) San-ren) (c.1822). Richard explains the complex world view behind these maps and what they would have meant to someone consulting them in tandem during 19th Century China. He reveals how they were made, the source of their stunning blue colouring - and how they reflect the imperial Mandate of Heaven. From historians, scientists and writers, to creatives and cultural custodians, people have used maps as a source of knowledge, guidance, and inspiration for centuries. Join us as map…
More episodes of What's Your Map?
- S5 Ep4: Un-Bordering the Map with Rohini Rai
- S5 Ep1: The Explorer from the Home of the Giants with Cecilie Skog
- What's Your Map? returns on March 25 with Season 5!
- S4 Ep6: From Meadow to Metropolis: Mapping a World of Sound with Michaela Vieser
- S4 Ep5: Out of the Cave: Encounters and Anima with Jago Cooper
- S4 Ep4: Smuggling Silk: WWII Escape Maps with Dr. Barbara A. Bond
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the What's Your Map? podcast page.