The Legend of Xilongren

Oswald Siren (1879–1966) was Swedish, held a doctorate, and was a professor of art history at Stockholm University. He was the first recipient of the Charles Lang Freer Medal and a noted Sinologist. He visited China six times and devoted more than fifty years to the study of Chinese art. His works on Chinese painting, architecture, gardens, sculpture, city gates, and watchtowers helped spread Chinese art around the world. Written in the style of a legend, this book describes and dramatizes Dr. Siren's arduous journey: giving up his comfortable life, leaving his family and career behind, and traveling to China to learn from its people and share its art.