The Material Text in East Asia:

Local Traditions and Intercultural Dialogue

The goal of this session is to explore books and other textual artifacts that have originated or been adapted for use in one or more East Asian cultures. A particular focus will be the interplay between intellectual history and aesthetic appreciation. Examples include the later interpretation of inscribed ritual objects, and collecting practices devoted to the study and display of inscriptions. A variety of media will be considered, including cast bronze and engraved stone as well as print or manuscript on paper. While attending to the specificity of local traditions, the session will consider the significance of these textual artifacts in intercultural and historiographical perspective. Proposals for papers that examine relationships between East Asian cultures or between East Asian and other cultures will be welcomed. The geographical definition of “East Asia” is open; textual artifacts from any period may be considered.

• Send proposals (250-word maximum), a title for your presentation, and your CV to