【IAS】Guia Lecture Series – Prof. Luo Xin from Peking University: “The Fengtoucong from Yu Tian: The Light and Shade of the Tribute System” was successfully conducted

【高研院】 東望洋講堂系列 - 北京大學 羅新教授 : “來自于闐的鳳頭驄:朝貢制度的明與暗” 圓滿舉行

由澳門大學人文社科高等研究院(高研院)主辦之2023-2024學年東望洋講堂第三講於三月一日在伍宜孫圖書館演講廳圓滿舉辦。此次研討會以「來自于闐的鳳頭驄:朝貢制度的明與暗」為主題,邀請了來自北京大學歷史學系教授羅新擔任講者,澳門大學歷史系講座教授王笛擔任主持人,吸引了澳大廣大師生的積極參與。        

羅新教授主要對古代中國的朝貢制度進行了詳細的討論。他用一個有趣的故事——獻給康熙皇帝的獅子,作為切入點,講述了兩隻從非洲萬里迢迢運到清朝的獅子經歷的千難萬苦以及康熙皇帝和他周圍的人又對這兩隻獅子的態度引出了朝貢制度與中國及周邊各國的政治、軍事和經濟等方面的聯繫。他以《五馬圖》為例,介紹了宋朝與西域各國聯繫的遠近親疏;通過對《東方志》的鋪陳,他詳細講述了中國鄰國各種關於中國的傳言與猜想。最後,羅新教授強調了朝貢制度對於中央王朝以及周邊鄰國的重要性,以及這種各取所需的關係中存在的問題及矛盾,比如“藩屬國”與“朝貢國”的模糊界定。

高研院旨在回饋澳門社會,提供更多跨學科、具有國際視野的學術講座,此次的講座吸引了超過300名師生的線上和線下參與。高研院將繼續舉辦高品質的學術講座,為澳門的學術界和社會提供更多機會,深化學術交流、拓寬知識視野。

The 3rd GUIA lecture of the 2023-2024 academic year, organized by the Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences (IAS) was successfully held on March 1st at the Wu Yee Sun Library Lecture Hall. The lecture titled as”The Fengtoucong from Yu Tian: The Light and Shade of the Tribute System”, featured Professor Luo Xin from Peking University as the speaker and Professor Wang Di from the University of Macau as the host. The event received enthusiastic participation from a diverse audience comprising students and faculty members who actively engaged in the discussion.

During the lecture, Professor Luo Xin delved into a comprehensive exploration of the ancient Chinese tribute system. He began with a captivating story—the lion presented to Emperor Kangxi—as a point of entry to illustrate the arduous journey and challenges faced by two lions transported all the way from Africa to the Qing Dynasty and the attitudes of Emperor Kangxi and those around him towards the lions to explore the political, military, and economic connections between the tribute system and China, as well as its neighboring countries. By employing the renowned “Five Horses Painting” as a case study, Professor Luo shed light on the nuanced relationships that existed between the Song Dynasty and the countries in the Western Regions. Through the elaboration of the “Dongfangzhi”, he provided detailed accounts of the rumors and speculations about China from its neighboring countries. Ultimately, Professor Luo underscored the significance of the tribute system for both the central dynasty and its neighboring nations, while also highlighting the inherent challenges and contradictions within this mutually beneficial relationship, including the ambiguous distinction between “vassal states” and “tribute states.”

The IAS aims to contribute to Macau society by providing more interdisciplinary academic lectures with an international perspective. This lecture attracted more than 300 students and faculty members who participated both online and on site. The IAS will continue to organize high-quality academic events, providing more opportunities to deepen academic exchanges and broaden knowledge horizons.