BUSHELL, Stephen Wootton. Ash-next-Sandwich, Kent 28.7.1844 — Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex 19.9.1908. British Physician in China, a Sinologist and early Specialist of Chinese Art. Son of William Bushell, a wealthy farmer, and Sarah Francis Wootton (d. 1850). Educated in Tunbridge and Chigwell. Studies at Guy’s Hospital and London University, then House Surgeon at Guy’s and Resident Medical Officer at Bethlem Hospital. From 1868 to 1900 he served as physician in British embassy in Peking. In 1872 travelled in Inner Mongolia. In 1900 retired, already in poor health, and concentrated on the study of Chinese art and archeology. On a leave in England 1874 married Florence Jane Mathews.
Publications: “On the old Mongolian Capital of Shangtu”, JRAS 7, 1875, 329-338; “The Early History of Tibet. From Chinese Sources”, JRAS 12, 1880, 435-541.
– “The Hsi Hsia Dynasty of Tangut, their Money and Peculiar Script”; Journal of the North China Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society 30, 1895-96, 142-160.
– Oriental Ceramic Art. 94 p. L. 1896; Chinese Art. 1-2. L. 1904, French translation 1910; History and Description of Chinese Porcelain. 12+176 p. 24 pl. L. 1908; with C. Monkhouse: Porcelain in the 16th Century. Manuscript finished at the time of his death; also wrote articles on Chinese and Central Asian numismatics and on Tangut, Jurchen and other ancient scripts, etc.
Sources: JRAS 1909, 239f.; H.C[ordier], TP N.S. 9, 1908, 596f.; R.L.H[obson], D.N.B. Suppl. 1901-11, 1912, 275f.; J.C. Ting, British Contribution to Chinese Studies. 177-182; N. Pearce, “Collecting, connoisseurship and commerce: an examination of the life and career of S.W.B. (1844-1908)”, Transactions of the Oriental Ceramic Soc. 70, 2005, 17-25 with 2 photos; Wikipedia with photo.
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