Arthur H. Smith Chinese Artifact Collection

Collection

Identifier: WCMss-572

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Arthur H. Smith Chinese Artifact Collection consists of hand-painted scrolls, poetry, wall decorations, and advertisements. This collection, which dates from circa 1700 to 1950, also consists of calligraphy, accordion codices, and printed pamphlets of philosophy and ethics. It also includes a small wooden abacus. Though most of these materials were collected by Smith, items from other sources were added to the collection, probably by previous archives staff.

Dates

circa 1700-1950

Creator

Smith, Arthur H. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical Note

Arthur Henderson Smith, born on July 18, 1845, was a missionary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. He spent 54 years as a missionary in China, and documented much of the culture he encountered in books for foreign readers. He served in the Civil War, graduated from Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin in 1867, and became ordained into the Congregational ministry. He and his wife moved to China in 1872, where they lived in Pangjiazhuang, Shandong. He died in 1932 at the age of 87.

Extent

5.0 Linear Feet (3 flat boxes, 1 record carton, 1 object)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Arthur H. Smith Chinese Artifact Collection, which dates from circa 1700 to 1930, consists of hand-painted scrolls, poetry, and wall decorations. This collection, which spans from 1700 to 1930, also contains advertisements, calligraphy, and accordion codices. It also houses printed pamphlets of philosophy and ethics, and a small wooden abacus.