Paradise In Old China (Press, 13 September 1980)
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Summary: Paradise In Old China (Press, 13 September 1980)
The book "Ways to Paradise: the Chinese Quest for Immortality" by Michael Loewe, published in 1979, presents a comprehensive examination of Chinese beliefs surrounding immortality during the Han dynasty (202 B.C. to 220 A.D.). This review highlights the book's scholarly depth, noting that it includes extensive academic apparatus that may challenge the general reader, though Loewe's engaging writing style makes the main content accessible to those with a basic understanding of Chinese history. The work features 28 high-quality plates, mainly of TLV mirrors, and numerous figure illustrations that contribute to its aesthetic value. Loewe's exploration begins with a discussion of significant intellectual and cultural changes during the Han era, particularly the desire to ensure the safe passage of one's spirit to paradise through elaborate burial practices. A notable focus of the book is the excavation of a tomb at Ma-wang-tui, where the remarkably preserved body of the first countess of Tai was found. This rare find provides insight into the burial customs of the time. One of the most captivating discoveries is a silk painting located atop the innermost coffin. This artwork, quite rare for early China, portrays the countess's soul ascending to heaven, with her former attendants transformed into birds. The review explains the role of the TLV mirror, a common burial item designed to optimally position the deceased in relation to celestial forces. Such mirrors are lauded for their aesthetic beauty and their connection to divination practices. Particularly noteworthy is the chapter on the Queen Mother of the West, which draws attention to the influence of a maternal archetype in Chinese culture. This figure's popularity foreshadowed the later rise of the Pure Land of the West sect in Buddhism. Loewe discusses possible cultural exchanges, including the transformation of the male bodhisattva Avalokitesvara into the more compassionate, feminine figure of Kuanyin. The review concludes with praise for Loewe's work, particularly its compelling symbolism, as exemplified in a short chapter on the imagery of the bird in the sun and the hare in the moon, adding an enriching layer to the narrative of Chinese spiritual beliefs. Overall, "Ways to Paradise" stands out as an important and visually captivating exploration of the quest for immortality in ancient China.
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