Ricciscenic - Public domain scenic painting

Matteo Ricci (1552-1610) was an Italian Jesuit priest and missionary who played a crucial role in cultural exchange between China and the West during the late Ming dynasty. Known for bridging the gap between Chinese and Western cultures, he focused on science, mathematics and theology. Born in Macerata, Italy, Ricci joined the Jesuits in 1571 and excelled in his studies. Arriving in China in 1583, he settled in Macau and quickly adapted to local customs. His conciliatory approach was well received by the Chinese elite. Ricci integrated Western science with Chinese beliefs, introducing instruments and knowledge of astronomy, mathematics and geography. He also taught the Memory Palace technique to aid memorisation. He wrote influential works using Confucian terms to explain Christian concepts. Despite the challenges faced by Catholic missions in China, Ricci's legacy endures as a symbol of early East-West dialogue. His contributions to cross-cultural understanding continue to be commemorated.