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Fragrance of Time – In Search of Chinese Art of Scent
28 June - 16 October
$30EVENT DESCRIPTION
【Journey into the world of fragrance】The Chinese culture of scent has a long and rich history. This exhibition will explore the characteristics and evolution of Chinese fragrance culture from the Neolithic period to the late Qing dynasty, taking viewers on a journey through fragrance that spans thousands of years.
• 【160 sets of treasures from two museums】Curated jointly by the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) and the Shanghai Museum, the exhibition showcases 160 sets of cultural gems, including ceramics, bronzes, lacquerware, jade ware, bamboo carvings, calligraphy, painting and furniture from both collections, representing the abundance and diversity of Chinese fragrance culture. All exhibits from the Shanghai Museum are classified as national graded treasures, including two Grade-1 national treasures and 13 sets Grade-2 national treasures.
• 【Aromas of the antiques】From botanical aromas to exotic scents, different types of incense ware have been used throughout history in response to changes in scent materials. The HKMoA presents aromatic installations in different exhibition areas, allowing visitors to experience the sensory delights of scent appreciation in ancient China.
• 【Hong Kong – the fragrant harbour】Tsim Sha Tsui, where the HKMoA is located, was originally known as “Heung Po Tau” (port for exporting incense), reflecting its close relationship with the historical transit of these materials. The exhibition has invited local artists, namely Cheuk Ka-wai, Cheng Chi-kin, and So Wing-po, to shed new light on Chinese fragrance culture through different mediums.
Exhibition overview
The Chinese culture of scent has a long and rich history. Whether in religious rituals or literary gatherings, scent materials and wares have always played an important role in Chinese culture. The use and appreciation of fragrances have been closely intertwined with the aesthetics of ancient times and artistic creation.
The exhibition is divided into four sections, featuring 109 sets of exhibits from the Shanghai Museum collection and 51 sets from the collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art, exploring perspectives ranging from fragrance materials to religious rituals and lives of the literati. To complement the exhibition, an education corner has been set up to introduce various usages and characteristics of fragrances in China.
The Hong Kong Museum of Art will also organise a series of special events and activities, including public lectures by experts and artists, to enhance public understanding of the Chinese art of scent. In addition, there will be multiple fragrance workshops and meditation experience sessions, allowing visitors to engage with Chinese fragrance culture through various senses.
The exhibition is one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture.
This exhibition is also one of the programmes of “City in Focus: Shanghai” of the inaugural Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) and Shanghai Culture Week. The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the LCSD’s Chinese Culture Promotion Office, aims to enhance the public’s appreciation of Chinese culture and cultivate citizens’ national identity and cultural confidence. The inaugural CCF will be held from June to September. Through different performing arts programmes in various forms and related extension activities, including selected programmes of the Chinese Opera Festival, exemplary local arts projects recognised by the China National Arts Fund, performing arts programmes from arts and cultural organisations, film screenings, exhibitions, talks and more, the festival allows members of the public and visitors to experience the broad and profound Chinese culture with a view to promoting Chinese culture and patriotic education as well as enhancing national identity amongst the people of Hong Kong, making contributions to the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.
Details
- Start:
- 28 June
- End:
- 16 October
- Admission:
- $30
- Event Category:
- Crafts, Heritage, Ink & Drawing, Painting
Venue
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