— 19c

Chen Laoye

Robert Morrison’s translation assistant.

Chen Lao-ye worked as a translation assistant for Robert Morrison. His help was indispensable in the production of Morrison’s publications, including a Chinese-English dictionary and a translation of the Bible and prayer book. He is included in the most famous portrait of Morrison, painted by Chinnery in February 1829, which depicts Chen as an older man, working along with Morrison and Li Shigong. The painting was circulated to inspire interest in Chinese missions.

Sources

  • A.J. Broomhall, Hudson Taylor and China’s Open Century: Barbarians at the Gates, 124.
  • Christopher Hancock, Robert Morrison and the Birth of Chinese Protestantism, 73, 210.

About the Author

Laura Mason

Research Assistant, Global China Center.