PATRICIA EBREY, PH.D.
PROFESSOR OF CHINESE HISTORY, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Huizong came to the Song throne in 1100, at the age of 17, and reigned almost 26 years. Since his reign ended in the collapse of the Northern Song empire, traditional historians have viewed Huizong’s many cultural pursuits as vices. His love of painting and calligraphy was seen as self-indulgence, his faith in Daoism as self-delusion. Renowned scholar Ebrey looks at Huizong afresh, what he got from Daoism, and how he used art to add to the grandeur of the throne. Ebrey is author of a forthcoming monograph on Huizong.

Free admission. Space is limited. Advance tickets are required and available online or on site.