Stephen W. Bushell

Stephen Wootton Bushell was an English physician and amateur Orientalist who researched Chinese ceramics, numismatics, and ancient scripts. His book Oriental Ceramic Art (1897) remains a key reference work on Chinese porcelain.

Bushell was born in 1844 in Ash-next-Sandwich, Kent. He studied medicine at Guy's Hospital Medical School, University of London, where he won prizes in several subjects, including forensic medicine and biology. After graduating in 1868, he worked as a house surgeon at Guy's Hospital and later as a medical officer at Bethlem Royal Hospital.

In 1868, Bushell accepted a post as a physician to the British Legation in Peking, China. He remained in China for thirty-two years, learning the language and studying its history, art, and culture. His interest in Chinese porcelain led him to act as a consultant to the Victoria and Albert Museum, where he acquired 233 pieces for its collection. He also acquired artefacts for the British Museum, including bronzes and a Tibetan skull cup.

Bushell made a significant contribution to the study of Chinese numismatics. He collected and analysed coins from the Western Xia state, leading to the first successful attempt to decipher Tangut characters. His research also identified the Tangut script on the Cloud Platform inscription at Juyongguan. He published studies on Jurchen, Khitan, and 'Phags-pa scripts, adding to the knowledge of East Asian linguistics.

In 1872, Bushell and Thomas G. Grosvenor travelled to Inner Mongolia and visited the ruins of Shangdu, the first Europeans to do so since Marco Polo. Their accounts of the journey provided insight into the region's history.

After retiring in 1900, Bushell published books on Chinese porcelain and art, including Chinese Art (1904) and The Bishop Collection of Jade (1906). His last work, a study of 16th-century Chinese porcelain, was completed shortly before his death. His widow later gave his collection to the British Museum.

In 1897, Stephen W. Bushell was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in recognition of his services. His work continues to be valued in art history and oriental studies.