Wang Shixiang

Throughout his life, he remained an avid fan of pigeons. English works, such as Beijing Pigeon Whistles written in 1999, exuded this passion. When he won the Prince Claus Award in 2003 in Beijing, pigeons were released as a gesture to the winner.

In 1985, Wang won an award from the Chinese Ministry of Culture where he was described as one of the most distinguished individuals in the fields of culture, tradition and history, and museum studies.

As well as his 1985 award, Wang received the 2003 Prince Claus Award in recognition for his meticulous research into popular culture and decorative arts of the People's Republic of China. With his knowledge of traditions and skills, he contributed to the recovery from the dislocation caused by the Cultural Revolution by preserving and transferring the Chinese cultural heritage to current and future generations. Usually, the main prizes of the Prince Claus Prize are awarded in the Netherlands. In 2003, with Wang at 89 years of age, the awards were organized by the embassy in Beijing.

Later, he became a researcher for the State Administration of Cultural Heritage. During the 1980s, he made regular contributions to the newspaper China Daily. Through other channels, he published much about the investigation he conducted, as is found in the dozens of books he left behind. His publications are in some cases the only available information on specific topics.

His art collection was an inspiration for craftsmen and scientists worldwide. During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), his collection was seized by the Chinese authorities, though after the revolution the collection was returned to him. In 2003 it became part of the Chinese national heritage.

Wang began his career after the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945). During this time, he worked at the Palace Museum in the Forbidden City in Beijing and later became a member of the prestigious Central Research Institute of Culture & History.

Wang Shixiang (May 25, 1914 in Beijing – November 28, 2009) was a Chinese researcher of traditional Chinese culture, leading art collector, poet, and Chinese character calligrapher.