#popcolours: The Aesthetics of Hues in Antiquities from the HKMoA Collection

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Once used as daily wares, artefacts often feature colours and patterns comparable in style and beauty to the modern designs of today. Besides reflecting the personal taste of their owner, the designs of artefacts could also be influenced by religious beliefs, rules and etiquette, shaping the aesthetic trend of the times. In ancient China, a scheme of “five prime colours”, comprising blue, red, yellow, white and black, was commonly adopted. With “colours” as the theme, the exhibition features more than 300 items of Chinese antiquities, including porcelains, lacquers, embroidery, glass, jade, etc.

The exhibition has selected five historical figures as “Key Opinion Leaders” to represent the colours, namely Emperor Qinshihuang; Emperor Huizong of the Song dynasty; Emperor Yongle of the Ming dynasty; Emperor Qianlong and official Lang Tingji of the Qing dynasty, to Introduce how they influenced the selection of colours of artefacts in their time and take visitors on a fascinating journey exploring the colourful world of ancient artefacts and exquisite craftsmanship.

Selected modern artworks from the museum collection will also be displayed to connect the past with the present.

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

Established in 1962, HKMoA is the first public art museum in the city, now custodian of an art collection of over 17,000 items, representing the unique cultural legacy of Hong Kong's connection across the globe. By curating a wide world of contrasts, from old to new, Chinese to Western, local to international, with a Hong Kong viewpoint, we aspire to refreshing ways of looking at tradition and making art relevant to everyone, creating new experiences and understanding.