The loss of Piet van der Loon, Emeritus Professor of Chinese, Oxford University, will be felt by all with any awareness of the field of Sinology. His breadth of interest in the oral and written traditions of Chinese culture led him to explore intricate questions behind the transmission of texts and performative arts alike, questions that he alone had the training and capacity to pursue in depth. He was one of those rare scholars who had the ability and energy to pursue research in the field as

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... ell as in the library. Piet was utterly at home in both, reveling in the way a close reading of texts and intensive fieldwork served as complements to each other. He inspired many to follow his example. His publications will continue to inspire for many generations to come. He leaves behind his wife and academic partner of fifty-five years, Minnie, their two daughters, Tillie and Maaike, and six grandchildren, not to mention countless Sinologists forever in his debt. In spite of increasing health problems in later years, Piet was always willing to entertain questions pertaining to textual authority and fieldwork alike. Failing health could not, moreover, prevent him from remaining active in pursuing projects dear to his heart. Although he had to content himself with work at the desk rather than in the field, Piet continued to write and produce critical editions according to standards too demanding for most to honor.