The legacy of the Jesuits: the practice and social influence of magic lantern projectors and films of the T’ou-Se-We Orphan Arts and Crafts Institute in Shanghai

Abstract

ABSTRACT Taking the publications of T’ou-Se-We Press as its main historical materials and adopting the method of media archeology, this paper investigates the manufacture and films of the projector at T’ou-Se-We Orphan Arts and Crafts Institute, Shanghai (1864–1960) in relation to the technology and content of the media. The T’ou-Se-We projector was created using calcium carbide technology. The films generally concerned missions and took social themes into account. They developed concepts of private customization and copyright considerations in relation to sales. The instrumental convenience allowed by the T’ou-Se-We projectors went beyond promoting Catholic missionary activities in Shanghai during the 1930s. The projectors also played a role in the state’s policy of film education and in cultivating visual literacy to enhance sensory experience among the public during the Republic of China.