Mark W. Brown papers, 1908 -- 1965

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Mark W. Brown papers, 1908 -- 1965

This series is open for research.

0.5 linear feet; 0.5 linear feet; 1 box

This series contains material connected to Brown's interest in and work on his collection of bronze Nestorian crosses collected from the northwest of China. His article on the subject was published as "The Romance of Nestorian Crosses" in the February 1933 issue of the Chinese Recorder. Material includes background research, correspondence with other scholars and missionaries, and draft notes on the subject. Folders 1-2 contain a series of black and white photographs of Brown's collection of crosses, six of which were reproduced as plates to accompany his published article. Bishop William C. White of the Canadian Anglican Church argued in the April and June 1930 issues of the Chinese Recorder that these were actually not Nestorian crosses, but rather protective amulets connected to Tang and Song Dynasty indigenous religion.

This series is arranged roughly by format.



Box 1 Folder 1-2 Photographs: Brown collection of Nestorian crosses, circa 1930 -- 1939


Box 1 Folder 3 Pamphlets, articles, correspondence, 1908 -- 1936


Box 1 Folder 4 Notes, address cards, circa 1910 -- 1939


Box 1 Folder 5-8 Correspondence, clippings on Nestorian crosses, 1932 -- 1942


Box 1 Folder 9 "Romance of Nestorian Crosses", 1933

This file contains three copies of the article.


Box 1 Folder 10 Notes, bibliography on Nestorians, circa 1930 -- 1934


Box 1 Folder 11 Correspondence regarding collection of Nestorian crosses, 1960 -- 1965