The Pride of Hong Kong: Three Preeminent Collections of Ancient Paintings and Calligraphies

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Geographical location and historical background combined to turn Hong Kong into a hub for paintings, calligraphies and other artefacts in mid-20th century. At the time, political turmoil triggered a massive drain of artefacts into the territory, opening up a golden opportunity for local collectors, newly arrived Mainlanders and overseas buyers to acquire rare treasures. It was during this period that Low Chuck-tiew’s (1911 – 1993) Xubaizhai, Ho Iu-kwong’s (1907 – 2006) Chih Lo Lou and Lee Jung-sen’s (1915 – 2007) Bei Shan Tang, or the three preeminent collections of Hong Kong, were built out of either a passion for painting and calligraphy or a self-imposed mission to preserve and promote Chinese heritage. The masters and the family of the three preeminent collections have all donated their invaluable collections to the Hong Kong Museum of Art or the Art Museum of The Chinese University of Hong Kong for the benefit of the general public.

Unprecedented in history for bringing together Xubaizhai, Chih Lo Lou and Bei Shan Tang in a single exhibition, “The Pride of Hong Kong: Three Preeminent Collections of Ancient Paintings and Calligraphies” features a selection of 93 sets of painting and calligraphic classics. Decidedly a spectacle for Hong Kong’s painting and calligraphy communities, the show explores the significant role that the city has been playing in the preservation of traditional Chinese art and salutes the altruism of the Hong Kong collectors who donated their prized possessions to public institutions.