臺灣文學虛擬博物館

Introduction

Studying, taking exams, building connections with new friends—these sound like everyday activities. A hundred years ago, these same activities were shaping the lives of a generation of scholars. Classically-educated scholars of the late Qing dynasty, Japanese colonial era, and early postwar years are the main characters of this exhibition's story. 19th and 20th century artifacts and records will take visitors on a journey through the lives of the traditional literati, from their earliest education, to the imperial examinations, to the refined life of local poetry societies, and explore how the literary spirit endured and evolved amid the rising tide of modernism. Together, they paint a picture which, despite belonging firmly to the past, remains familiar to us today: The Path of Learning.

This exhibition focuses on four themes. In order, they are: the strenuous efforts of studying for and taking exams; the support provided by friends, mentors, and families; the creativity and exchange that went on in poetry and literary societies; and the many forms which that creativity took, including paintings, calligraphy, lantern riddles, periodicals, and activities and events held by those societies. For them, literature was not just material to be tested on, or career expertise. It permeated every aspect of their lives and their personal relationships, and colored their entire world with its culture of emotions and creativity.
The artifacts on display here include handwritten drafts and manuscripts, paintings, calligraphy, film and photographs, personal documents, books, periodicals, stationery and writing utensils, postcards, and letters. These objects tell us the story of how they studied, how their social groups functioned, how they created literature, and how the scholarly spirit changed and evolved with the times.

By rebuilding the webs of connection between these artifacts, we can gain new insight into the mental lives of literati a century ago, taking visitors back in time to appreciate how interwoven institutions, families, and social groups shaped their paths, and what modern intellectuals share with the literati of yesteryear in their pursuit of culture.