Buddhas in the West Material Archive
@buddhasinthewest.bsky.social
Exploring the circulation of Buddhist material culture in Western historical media, including prints, photos, ephemera, &c. Digital public scholarship project curated by @peterromaskiewicz.bsky.social.
📜 #buddhasinthewest
🌟 New Posts: Mon, Wed, & Fri.
📜 #buddhasinthewest
🌟 New Posts: Mon, Wed, & Fri.
Reposted by Buddhas in the West Material Archive
Victorian trade cards often employed the same visual language found in contemporary political cartoons.
In the late 1870s and 1880s, as anti-Chinese xenophobia intensified in the US, depictions of the “heathen Chinee” prostrating before Buddhist idols became more widespread. 🧵
🗃️ 📜
In the late 1870s and 1880s, as anti-Chinese xenophobia intensified in the US, depictions of the “heathen Chinee” prostrating before Buddhist idols became more widespread. 🧵
🗃️ 📜
December 19, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Victorian trade cards often employed the same visual language found in contemporary political cartoons.
In the late 1870s and 1880s, as anti-Chinese xenophobia intensified in the US, depictions of the “heathen Chinee” prostrating before Buddhist idols became more widespread. 🧵
🗃️ 📜
In the late 1870s and 1880s, as anti-Chinese xenophobia intensified in the US, depictions of the “heathen Chinee” prostrating before Buddhist idols became more widespread. 🧵
🗃️ 📜
Victorian trade cards often employed the same visual language found in contemporary political cartoons.
In the late 1870s and 1880s, as anti-Chinese xenophobia intensified in the US, depictions of the “heathen Chinee” prostrating before Buddhist idols became more widespread. 🧵
🗃️ 📜
In the late 1870s and 1880s, as anti-Chinese xenophobia intensified in the US, depictions of the “heathen Chinee” prostrating before Buddhist idols became more widespread. 🧵
🗃️ 📜
December 19, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Victorian trade cards often employed the same visual language found in contemporary political cartoons.
In the late 1870s and 1880s, as anti-Chinese xenophobia intensified in the US, depictions of the “heathen Chinee” prostrating before Buddhist idols became more widespread. 🧵
🗃️ 📜
In the late 1870s and 1880s, as anti-Chinese xenophobia intensified in the US, depictions of the “heathen Chinee” prostrating before Buddhist idols became more widespread. 🧵
🗃️ 📜
Reposted by Buddhas in the West Material Archive
In 1911, to promote efforts of American missionaries abroad, an arm of the missions board sponsored a massive traveling exhibit of the world's religions.
The "Japan Scene" was dominated by a replica of a Buddhist temple, traveling from Boston to Cincinnati and elsewhere. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Cincinnati
The "Japan Scene" was dominated by a replica of a Buddhist temple, traveling from Boston to Cincinnati and elsewhere. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Cincinnati
December 17, 2025 at 2:25 PM
In 1911, to promote efforts of American missionaries abroad, an arm of the missions board sponsored a massive traveling exhibit of the world's religions.
The "Japan Scene" was dominated by a replica of a Buddhist temple, traveling from Boston to Cincinnati and elsewhere. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Cincinnati
The "Japan Scene" was dominated by a replica of a Buddhist temple, traveling from Boston to Cincinnati and elsewhere. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Cincinnati
In 1911, to promote efforts of American missionaries abroad, an arm of the missions board sponsored a massive traveling exhibit of the world's religions.
The "Japan Scene" was dominated by a replica of a Buddhist temple, traveling from Boston to Cincinnati and elsewhere. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Cincinnati
The "Japan Scene" was dominated by a replica of a Buddhist temple, traveling from Boston to Cincinnati and elsewhere. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Cincinnati
December 17, 2025 at 2:25 PM
In 1911, to promote efforts of American missionaries abroad, an arm of the missions board sponsored a massive traveling exhibit of the world's religions.
The "Japan Scene" was dominated by a replica of a Buddhist temple, traveling from Boston to Cincinnati and elsewhere. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Cincinnati
The "Japan Scene" was dominated by a replica of a Buddhist temple, traveling from Boston to Cincinnati and elsewhere. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Cincinnati
Reposted by Buddhas in the West Material Archive
In 1903, a titan of world postcard production, England-based Raphael Tuck & Sons, set themselves further apart by issuing the vibrantly colored Oilette Series based on commissioned oil paintings.
Among the first sets released was devoted to the mysterious Himalayan nation of Tibet. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
Among the first sets released was devoted to the mysterious Himalayan nation of Tibet. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
December 15, 2025 at 5:16 PM
In 1903, a titan of world postcard production, England-based Raphael Tuck & Sons, set themselves further apart by issuing the vibrantly colored Oilette Series based on commissioned oil paintings.
Among the first sets released was devoted to the mysterious Himalayan nation of Tibet. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
Among the first sets released was devoted to the mysterious Himalayan nation of Tibet. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
In 1903, a titan of world postcard production, England-based Raphael Tuck & Sons, set themselves further apart by issuing the vibrantly colored Oilette Series based on commissioned oil paintings.
Among the first sets released was devoted to the mysterious Himalayan nation of Tibet. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
Among the first sets released was devoted to the mysterious Himalayan nation of Tibet. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
December 15, 2025 at 5:16 PM
In 1903, a titan of world postcard production, England-based Raphael Tuck & Sons, set themselves further apart by issuing the vibrantly colored Oilette Series based on commissioned oil paintings.
Among the first sets released was devoted to the mysterious Himalayan nation of Tibet. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
Among the first sets released was devoted to the mysterious Himalayan nation of Tibet. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
Reposted by Buddhas in the West Material Archive
While temple visitors might view Buddhist images as immovable fixtures, Meiji-era photography reveals the remarkable portability of Buddhist icons.
Here we see a pair of Japanese pilgrims with their portable shrine traveling through Nikko, a sign of Buddhist faith on the move. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
Here we see a pair of Japanese pilgrims with their portable shrine traveling through Nikko, a sign of Buddhist faith on the move. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
December 12, 2025 at 3:39 PM
While temple visitors might view Buddhist images as immovable fixtures, Meiji-era photography reveals the remarkable portability of Buddhist icons.
Here we see a pair of Japanese pilgrims with their portable shrine traveling through Nikko, a sign of Buddhist faith on the move. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
Here we see a pair of Japanese pilgrims with their portable shrine traveling through Nikko, a sign of Buddhist faith on the move. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
While temple visitors might view Buddhist images as immovable fixtures, Meiji-era photography reveals the remarkable portability of Buddhist icons.
Here we see a pair of Japanese pilgrims with their portable shrine traveling through Nikko, a sign of Buddhist faith on the move. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
Here we see a pair of Japanese pilgrims with their portable shrine traveling through Nikko, a sign of Buddhist faith on the move. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
December 12, 2025 at 3:39 PM
While temple visitors might view Buddhist images as immovable fixtures, Meiji-era photography reveals the remarkable portability of Buddhist icons.
Here we see a pair of Japanese pilgrims with their portable shrine traveling through Nikko, a sign of Buddhist faith on the move. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
Here we see a pair of Japanese pilgrims with their portable shrine traveling through Nikko, a sign of Buddhist faith on the move. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
Reposted by Buddhas in the West Material Archive
Due to the US extension of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1892, the Chinese Qing Empire withdrew from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
This created the opportunity for local Chinese Chicagoans to build a Chinese Theatre and Joss House as an amusement concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
This created the opportunity for local Chinese Chicagoans to build a Chinese Theatre and Joss House as an amusement concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
December 10, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Due to the US extension of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1892, the Chinese Qing Empire withdrew from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
This created the opportunity for local Chinese Chicagoans to build a Chinese Theatre and Joss House as an amusement concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
This created the opportunity for local Chinese Chicagoans to build a Chinese Theatre and Joss House as an amusement concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
Due to the US extension of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1892, the Chinese Qing Empire withdrew from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
This created the opportunity for local Chinese Chicagoans to build a Chinese Theatre and Joss House as an amusement concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
This created the opportunity for local Chinese Chicagoans to build a Chinese Theatre and Joss House as an amusement concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
December 10, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Due to the US extension of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1892, the Chinese Qing Empire withdrew from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
This created the opportunity for local Chinese Chicagoans to build a Chinese Theatre and Joss House as an amusement concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
This created the opportunity for local Chinese Chicagoans to build a Chinese Theatre and Joss House as an amusement concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
Reposted by Buddhas in the West Material Archive
American escapist films grew in prominence during the Depression Era 1930s and Frank Capra’s 1937 film, Lost Horizon, was an important Buddhist entry to this genre.
The early 20th century romantic imagery of Tibet helped raise interest in the film's Himalayan utopia of Shangri-la. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
The early 20th century romantic imagery of Tibet helped raise interest in the film's Himalayan utopia of Shangri-la. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
December 8, 2025 at 3:49 PM
American escapist films grew in prominence during the Depression Era 1930s and Frank Capra’s 1937 film, Lost Horizon, was an important Buddhist entry to this genre.
The early 20th century romantic imagery of Tibet helped raise interest in the film's Himalayan utopia of Shangri-la. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
The early 20th century romantic imagery of Tibet helped raise interest in the film's Himalayan utopia of Shangri-la. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
American escapist films grew in prominence during the Depression Era 1930s and Frank Capra’s 1937 film, Lost Horizon, was an important Buddhist entry to this genre.
The early 20th century romantic imagery of Tibet helped raise interest in the film's Himalayan utopia of Shangri-la. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
The early 20th century romantic imagery of Tibet helped raise interest in the film's Himalayan utopia of Shangri-la. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
December 8, 2025 at 3:49 PM
American escapist films grew in prominence during the Depression Era 1930s and Frank Capra’s 1937 film, Lost Horizon, was an important Buddhist entry to this genre.
The early 20th century romantic imagery of Tibet helped raise interest in the film's Himalayan utopia of Shangri-la. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
The early 20th century romantic imagery of Tibet helped raise interest in the film's Himalayan utopia of Shangri-la. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
Reposted by Buddhas in the West Material Archive
In the midst of a growing Pacific War, the young Republic of China withdrew from the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1933.
Private individual ensured China's symbolic presence, however, with local Chinatown businessmen erecting two giant pagodas for the “Streets of Shanghai” concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
Private individual ensured China's symbolic presence, however, with local Chinatown businessmen erecting two giant pagodas for the “Streets of Shanghai” concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
December 4, 2025 at 1:35 PM
In the midst of a growing Pacific War, the young Republic of China withdrew from the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1933.
Private individual ensured China's symbolic presence, however, with local Chinatown businessmen erecting two giant pagodas for the “Streets of Shanghai” concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
Private individual ensured China's symbolic presence, however, with local Chinatown businessmen erecting two giant pagodas for the “Streets of Shanghai” concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
In the midst of a growing Pacific War, the young Republic of China withdrew from the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1933.
Private individual ensured China's symbolic presence, however, with local Chinatown businessmen erecting two giant pagodas for the “Streets of Shanghai” concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
Private individual ensured China's symbolic presence, however, with local Chinatown businessmen erecting two giant pagodas for the “Streets of Shanghai” concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
December 4, 2025 at 1:35 PM
In the midst of a growing Pacific War, the young Republic of China withdrew from the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1933.
Private individual ensured China's symbolic presence, however, with local Chinatown businessmen erecting two giant pagodas for the “Streets of Shanghai” concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
Private individual ensured China's symbolic presence, however, with local Chinatown businessmen erecting two giant pagodas for the “Streets of Shanghai” concession. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Chicago
Reposted by Buddhas in the West Material Archive
Sitting on the south bank of the river Loire, construction finished at the Château de Chanteloup in 1778 on an imposing new edifice, a seven-story Chinese-style pagoda.
Built by a once-exiled French army officer, the pagoda at Chanteloup remains one of the few remnants of the palace.🧵
🗃️ 📜 #France
Built by a once-exiled French army officer, the pagoda at Chanteloup remains one of the few remnants of the palace.🧵
🗃️ 📜 #France
November 26, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Sitting on the south bank of the river Loire, construction finished at the Château de Chanteloup in 1778 on an imposing new edifice, a seven-story Chinese-style pagoda.
Built by a once-exiled French army officer, the pagoda at Chanteloup remains one of the few remnants of the palace.🧵
🗃️ 📜 #France
Built by a once-exiled French army officer, the pagoda at Chanteloup remains one of the few remnants of the palace.🧵
🗃️ 📜 #France
Sitting on the south bank of the river Loire, construction finished at the Château de Chanteloup in 1778 on an imposing new edifice, a seven-story Chinese-style pagoda.
Built by a once-exiled French army officer, the pagoda at Chanteloup remains one of the few remnants of the palace.🧵
🗃️ 📜 #France
Built by a once-exiled French army officer, the pagoda at Chanteloup remains one of the few remnants of the palace.🧵
🗃️ 📜 #France
November 26, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Sitting on the south bank of the river Loire, construction finished at the Château de Chanteloup in 1778 on an imposing new edifice, a seven-story Chinese-style pagoda.
Built by a once-exiled French army officer, the pagoda at Chanteloup remains one of the few remnants of the palace.🧵
🗃️ 📜 #France
Built by a once-exiled French army officer, the pagoda at Chanteloup remains one of the few remnants of the palace.🧵
🗃️ 📜 #France
Reposted by Buddhas in the West Material Archive
Sitting atop the southern end of Mount Penn, a seven-story wooden pagoda has overlooked Reading, Pennsylvania, since 1908.
Built as part of a luxury resort, the building and land were donated to the city in 1911, making this Buddhist-inspired building a symbol of the city. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Pennsylvania
Built as part of a luxury resort, the building and land were donated to the city in 1911, making this Buddhist-inspired building a symbol of the city. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Pennsylvania
November 25, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Sitting atop the southern end of Mount Penn, a seven-story wooden pagoda has overlooked Reading, Pennsylvania, since 1908.
Built as part of a luxury resort, the building and land were donated to the city in 1911, making this Buddhist-inspired building a symbol of the city. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Pennsylvania
Built as part of a luxury resort, the building and land were donated to the city in 1911, making this Buddhist-inspired building a symbol of the city. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Pennsylvania
Sitting atop the southern end of Mount Penn, a seven-story wooden pagoda has overlooked Reading, Pennsylvania, since 1908.
Built as part of a luxury resort, the building and land were donated to the city in 1911, making this Buddhist-inspired building a symbol of the city. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Pennsylvania
Built as part of a luxury resort, the building and land were donated to the city in 1911, making this Buddhist-inspired building a symbol of the city. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Pennsylvania
November 25, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Sitting atop the southern end of Mount Penn, a seven-story wooden pagoda has overlooked Reading, Pennsylvania, since 1908.
Built as part of a luxury resort, the building and land were donated to the city in 1911, making this Buddhist-inspired building a symbol of the city. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Pennsylvania
Built as part of a luxury resort, the building and land were donated to the city in 1911, making this Buddhist-inspired building a symbol of the city. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Pennsylvania
Reposted by Buddhas in the West Material Archive
For anyone attending the #AARSBL in Boston, come see the Buddhas in the West Pop-Up Exhibit this Saturday at CGIS S050 at Harvard University.
We look at the early European depictions of the Buddha and Buddhist monks from the 1660s to 1850s.
🗃️ 📜 #Buddhasinthewest
We look at the early European depictions of the Buddha and Buddhist monks from the 1660s to 1850s.
🗃️ 📜 #Buddhasinthewest
November 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM
For anyone attending the #AARSBL in Boston, come see the Buddhas in the West Pop-Up Exhibit this Saturday at CGIS S050 at Harvard University.
We look at the early European depictions of the Buddha and Buddhist monks from the 1660s to 1850s.
🗃️ 📜 #Buddhasinthewest
We look at the early European depictions of the Buddha and Buddhist monks from the 1660s to 1850s.
🗃️ 📜 #Buddhasinthewest
For anyone attending the #AARSBL in Boston, come see the Buddhas in the West Pop-Up Exhibit this Saturday at CGIS S050 at Harvard University.
We look at the early European depictions of the Buddha and Buddhist monks from the 1660s to 1850s.
🗃️ 📜 #Buddhasinthewest
We look at the early European depictions of the Buddha and Buddhist monks from the 1660s to 1850s.
🗃️ 📜 #Buddhasinthewest
November 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM
For anyone attending the #AARSBL in Boston, come see the Buddhas in the West Pop-Up Exhibit this Saturday at CGIS S050 at Harvard University.
We look at the early European depictions of the Buddha and Buddhist monks from the 1660s to 1850s.
🗃️ 📜 #Buddhasinthewest
We look at the early European depictions of the Buddha and Buddhist monks from the 1660s to 1850s.
🗃️ 📜 #Buddhasinthewest
Reposted by Buddhas in the West Material Archive
By the 1890s it was possible to browse American newspapers and see advertisements for informal lectures on countries around the world.
Occupying church halls or town theaters, returning travelers often used “magic lantern” slides to illustrate their captivating travel narratives. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
Occupying church halls or town theaters, returning travelers often used “magic lantern” slides to illustrate their captivating travel narratives. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
November 17, 2025 at 9:07 PM
By the 1890s it was possible to browse American newspapers and see advertisements for informal lectures on countries around the world.
Occupying church halls or town theaters, returning travelers often used “magic lantern” slides to illustrate their captivating travel narratives. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
Occupying church halls or town theaters, returning travelers often used “magic lantern” slides to illustrate their captivating travel narratives. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
By the 1890s it was possible to browse American newspapers and see advertisements for informal lectures on countries around the world.
Occupying church halls or town theaters, returning travelers often used “magic lantern” slides to illustrate their captivating travel narratives. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
Occupying church halls or town theaters, returning travelers often used “magic lantern” slides to illustrate their captivating travel narratives. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
November 17, 2025 at 9:07 PM
By the 1890s it was possible to browse American newspapers and see advertisements for informal lectures on countries around the world.
Occupying church halls or town theaters, returning travelers often used “magic lantern” slides to illustrate their captivating travel narratives. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
Occupying church halls or town theaters, returning travelers often used “magic lantern” slides to illustrate their captivating travel narratives. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Japan
The first 108 Buddhas in the West posts are now archived, tagged, and easy to browse! 🔍 🗺
Thank you to everyone for the support! 🙏
👉 tinyurl.com/4kmcwp87
Thank you to everyone for the support! 🙏
👉 tinyurl.com/4kmcwp87
November 16, 2025 at 6:09 PM
The first 108 Buddhas in the West posts are now archived, tagged, and easy to browse! 🔍 🗺
Thank you to everyone for the support! 🙏
👉 tinyurl.com/4kmcwp87
Thank you to everyone for the support! 🙏
👉 tinyurl.com/4kmcwp87
Reposted by Buddhas in the West Material Archive
By the early 20th century there was an unofficial race to capture a photograph of Lhasa, the religious center of Tibet.
In 1905 National Geographic printed a few of the first photos of the region and a decade later, in 1916, published a large panoramic insert of Lhasa's Potala Palace. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
In 1905 National Geographic printed a few of the first photos of the region and a decade later, in 1916, published a large panoramic insert of Lhasa's Potala Palace. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
November 14, 2025 at 4:20 PM
By the early 20th century there was an unofficial race to capture a photograph of Lhasa, the religious center of Tibet.
In 1905 National Geographic printed a few of the first photos of the region and a decade later, in 1916, published a large panoramic insert of Lhasa's Potala Palace. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
In 1905 National Geographic printed a few of the first photos of the region and a decade later, in 1916, published a large panoramic insert of Lhasa's Potala Palace. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
By the early 20th century there was an unofficial race to capture a photograph of Lhasa, the religious center of Tibet.
In 1905 National Geographic printed a few of the first photos of the region and a decade later, in 1916, published a large panoramic insert of Lhasa's Potala Palace. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
In 1905 National Geographic printed a few of the first photos of the region and a decade later, in 1916, published a large panoramic insert of Lhasa's Potala Palace. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
November 14, 2025 at 4:20 PM
By the early 20th century there was an unofficial race to capture a photograph of Lhasa, the religious center of Tibet.
In 1905 National Geographic printed a few of the first photos of the region and a decade later, in 1916, published a large panoramic insert of Lhasa's Potala Palace. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet
In 1905 National Geographic printed a few of the first photos of the region and a decade later, in 1916, published a large panoramic insert of Lhasa's Potala Palace. 🧵
🗃️ 📜 #Tibet