The 2022 Tang Prize winners for sinology and rule of law were announced June 20 and 21, respectively, by Taipei City-based Tang Prize Foundation.
Jessica Rawson was recognized for “her gift and mastery of the craft of the visible to read the art and artifacts of Chinese civilization. By giving voice to the ancient world of objects, she has taught generations how to see when they look at things.” Cheryl Saunders was honored for “her pioneering contributions to comparative constitutional law and in particular her work on constitution-building in the Asia Pacific region.”
According to TPF, Rawson, professor of Chinese art and archeology at the University of Oxford, specializes in the study of Chinese bronzes and jades, as well as exchanges between the ancient peoples of central China and the surrounding regions. Her extensive research has helped the public gain a better understanding of Chinese civilization through curating museum collections, the TPF added.
Rawson has received many honors. She is a Fellow of the British Academy, was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2002, elected as an International Honorary Member to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2012 and received the Charles Lang Freer Medal in 2017.
Saunders is laureate professor emeritus at the University of Melbourne. She took part in constitution building and discussions in countries including Bhutan, East Timor, Fiji, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, often during challenging circumstances involving transition to democracy from authoritarian rule, the TPF said.
Saunders’ career is also studded with marks of recognition. She is an elected fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia, was made an officer of the Order of Australia, awarded the Legion d’Honneur of France and granted an honorary doctorate from the National University of Cordoba.
Established by Taiwan entrepreneur Samuel Yin in 2012 and first conferred two years later, the Tang Prize of NT$50 million (US$1.68 million) is awarded in the categories of sustainable development, biopharmaceutical science, sinology and rule of law. (YCH-E)
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