Proudly from Canton: The Muwen Tang Collection of Cantonese and Export Art

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) has received a generous donation of over 2,000 Cantonese and export artworks from the Qing dynasty from Dr Simon Kwan, a local veteran art collector, owner of the Muwen Tang collection and distinguished Hong Kong architect. This marks the largest single donation the museum has ever received. The HKMoA has designated the Muwen Tang Gallery of Cantonese and Export Art to display these exceptional treasures, and is launching the inaugural exhibition “Proudly from Canton: The Muwen Tang Collection of Cantonese and Export Art”. The press preview and exhibition opening and the donation and gallery inauguration ceremony will be held on May 28 (Thursday).

The exhibition features a selection of over 120 works of iconic Cantonese art exhibits of the Muwen Tang collection, encompassing over 10 distinct categories such as Qing dynasty export paintings, painted enamels, silverware, fans, textiles, ivory carvings, lacquerware and timepieces. From imperial tributes to export art, this exhibition charts the golden age of Cantonese craftsmanship on the world stage.

The star exhibit is a magnificent Qing dynasty Cantonese gilt silver filigree tea set, formerly part of a European royal collection and known as the “Queen’s tea service”. It is one of the only two complete sets of Qing dynasty export filigree silverware known to exist today. Other highlights include a black and gilt lacquer folding screen with a narrative figures design measuring 2.7 metres tall and 3.7 metres wide. Entirely adorned with gilt decoration depicting Qing dynasty figures and cityscapes, it beautifully represents the heyday of Chinese export lacquerware. Another featured highlight is an exquisite woven ivory fan with a phoenix and peony design – a significant tribute item during the Qianlong period in the Qing Dynasty. Combining various Cantonese crafts and precious materials, this piece showcases intricate craftsmanship and extraordinary splendour.

In addition, an interactive multimedia device set in the exhibition will transport visitors to a 19th-century Cantonese painting studio, where they take on the role of a glass painter to complete portrait commissions for distant patrons.

The exhibition will run from May 29, 2026, to July 4, 2027 at the Muwen Tang Gallery of Cantonese and Export Art on the third floor of the HKMoA (10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon). Admission is free.