The Manchu Collection of the University Library Oslo: An Overview
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Die mandjurische Sammlung der Universitätsbibliothek Oslo
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Martin Gimm
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: Die mandjurische Sammlung der Universitätsbibliothek Oslo
Year: 1968 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5219
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The text outlines the Manchu collection held at the University Library of Oslo, Norway, curated by Martin Gimm from the East Asian Seminar at the University of Cologne. This collection is notably unique in Norway and largely derives from the book collection of Frederik Schjøth, the former Norwegian Consul General in China. Alongside detailing the collection's origins and composition, the document emphasizes the rarity of the items and their significance within the broader context of Manchu literature and history.
Significance of Frederik Schjøth's Collection
Frederik Schjøth (1846–1935) played a crucial role in establishing the Manchu collection at the University Library. His tenure in China, during which he held various positions, including Zolldirektor, allowed him to amass expertise in both Chinese and Manchu languages. The collection reflects his passion for numismatics and East Asian studies. Notably, Schjøth’s handwritten list of books reveals the meticulous effort he put into assembling his library. The collection was acquired by the University Library in 1936, further solidifying its value as an academic resource.
Classification and Contents of the Collection
The collection is organized into various categories, including classical works, history, literature, language studies, and glossaries. Within these categories, notable texts include philosophical works, historical accounts, and language teaching materials. For instance, several pieces are dedicated to Manchu-Chinese dictionaries and teachings, highlighting the linguistic significance of the Manchu language. The diverse array of texts reveals not only the cultural richness of the Manchu heritage but also the scholarly importance of preserving such materials for future generations.
Conclusion
In summary, the Manchu collection at the University Library of Oslo serves as an essential repository for Manchu literature and studies outside Germany. The collection's origins, largely attributable to the efforts of Frederik Schjøth, and its organized compilation of works in philosophy, history, and linguistics underscore its importance. The preservation of these texts is vital for understanding the historical context and linguistic nuances of the Manchu language, contributing significantly to the field of East Asian studies.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of the Mandjurische Sammlung at the University of Oslo?
The Mandjurische Sammlung is likely the only collection of its kind in Norway, comprising various Manchu writings and translations, many stemming from former Norwegian consul Fredrik Schjøth's collection.
Who was Fredrik Schjøth and what was his contribution?
Fredrik Schjøth (1846-1935) was a Norwegian consul in China who compiled a small collection of Manchu books, significantly contributing to the Mandjurische Sammlung at the University of Oslo.
What types of texts are included in the Mandjurische Sammlung?
The collection includes classical works, historical documents, literature, lexicons, and language studies, revealing the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the Manchu people.
How are the works in the collection categorized?
The texts in the Mandjurische Sammlung are organized into thematic groups like philosophy, history, literature, language, and lexicons, aiding researchers in exploring specific subjects.
Are there any rare items in the Mandjurische Sammlung?
While the collection is generally not extensive in terms of rarities, it does feature unique items like a Manchu-Norwegian vocabulary list, showcasing its historical importance.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “The Manchu Collection of the University Library Oslo: An Overview”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Manju (Mamju):
The keyword: Manju refers to the Manchu language, a Tungusic language spoken in northeastern China. The text primarily deals with the collection of Manchu manuscripts and books, shedding light on the intricacies and contents of these works, reflecting the cultural and historical significance of the Manchu language.
2) Roman (Roma):
The keyword: Roman relates to the literary or written works indicated in the collection. The text references multiple manuscripts, such as the translated Manchu versions of Chinese novels, showing the extent of literary exchange and translation efforts in the context of Manchu-written records.
3) Ting:
The keyword: Ting is part of book titles in the collection, such as the manuscript 'Kin-siyang ting-ni bithe'. It represents specific works within the Manchu literature corpus and provides insight into the topics and narratives explored in the Manchu manuscripts archived in Oslo.
4) China:
The keyword: China is central to the context, as the collection comprises manuscripts related to Chinese history, literature, and philosophy translated into Manchu. The text ties the cultural and scholarly materials of China with the Norwegian collection influenced by diplomatic relations, especially through individuals like FREDRIK SCHJØTH.
5) Dasa (Dashan, Dasha, Dasan):
The keyword: Dasan appears in titles related to classical works, such as 'Dasan-i nomun'. These titles reflect the translation and preservation of Chinese philosophical texts into Manchu language, indicating scholarly interactions between different cultures and the linguistic preservation attempts.
6) Ging:
The keyword: Ging likely refers to specific works in the collection, such as within 'Ging ki banime'. It indicates the coverage of diverse subject matter within the manuscripts, spanning historical events, literature, or official decrees translated into Manchu, thus providing a broad view of the content scope.
7) Shen:
The keyword: Shen appears in the description of the manuscript 'Cheng-yin ch'ieh-yün chih-chang'. It refers to contributors or authors associated with creating or endorsing the texts, such as SHEN SHIHYUN, highlighting individuals' roles in historical documentation and manuscript production.
8) Peking:
The keyword: Peking refers to the catalog mentioned in the Union Catalogue of Manchu Books in the National Library of Peiping (Peking) and the Palace Museum. It situates the Oslo collection within a broader scholarly framework, cross-referencing with significant Chinese repositories and aiding in bibliographic completeness.
9) Acara:
The keyword: Acara appears in a title concerning language or lexicons. It signifies parts of the collection that focus on linguistic studies, including glossaries and language guides, which cater to scholarly interests in understanding and preserving the Manchu language.
10) Kanda (Kamda):
The keyword: Kanda relates to bibliographic efforts, as exemplified by Kanda Nobuo's work referenced in the text. It points to academic contributions in cataloging and studying Manchu manuscripts, demonstrating the collaborative and cumulative nature of scholarly study in East Asian manuscripts.
11) Chang:
The keyword: Chang is seen in personal name contexts, such as researchers or contributors. It indicates the involvement of various individuals, both as creators and scholars, in the transcription, translation, and analysis efforts to preserve and understand the Manchu manuscripts.
12) Kuli:
The keyword: Kooli is part of manuscript titles like 'Yargiyan kooli ci tukiyehe tucibuhe fe manju gisun-i bithe', which translates to historical records. This reflects the historical scope of the collection, aiming to document and disseminate historical events and narratives in the Manchu language.
13) Union:
The keyword: Union appears in the Union Catalogue of Manchu Books. It indicates combined bibliographic efforts to catalog and cross-reference Manchu manuscripts nationally and internationally, enhancing access and scholarly research on these historical texts.
14) Hina:
The keyword: Hina in context is part of translated texts or glossaries. It can hint at specific terminologies, such as related to geographies, demographical elements, or cultural items, showing lexicon studies' variety in facilitating language learning and cultural understanding.
15) Hala:
The keyword: Hala appears in the context of personal or tribal names, such as in Manchu nomenclature. It exemplifies the cultural and societal structure reflections found within the documents, helping to understand the societal hierarchies and affiliations in historical Manchu contexts.
16) Shan (San):
The keyword: Shan appears in titles and authors' attributions, such as literary or scholarly names. It illustrates the geographical and cultural breadth covered in the manuscripts, indicating comprehensive works that span different regions, clans, or scholarly traditions in the Manchu collection.
17) Dank:
The keyword: Dank is related to gratitude expressions found in acknowledgments. In the text, it points to the cooperative efforts and assistance from individuals like Per K. Riis, highlighting the collaborative aspects of scholarly work and cataloging efforts involving manuscript collections.
18) King:
The keyword: King appears in historical or philosophical texts, such as in 'Ging ki banime'. It often refers to canonical texts or versions of royal decrees, translations, and canonical writings, underscoring the collection's focus on historically significant documents.
19) Book:
The keyword: Book comprehensively describes the physical manuscripts and texts cataloged or described in the collection. It stands for the compilation of various types of documents, reflecting the textual diversity and richness within the Oslo collection of Manchu and related language materials.