“The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Stories Untold— Figure Paintings of the Ming Dynasty from the Palace Museum” Exhibition Concludes on 30 November 2024
Final Rotation of Exquisite Paintings on Display in the Hong Kong Palace Museum from 4 September
The fourth and the final rotation of “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Stories Untold—Figure Paintings of the Ming Dynasty from the Palace Museum” exhibition, currently on view at the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM), will present 20 new exhibits from 4 September (Wednesday). Highlights include five grade-one national treasures such as Auspicious Omens Leading to the Song Emperor Gaozong’s Reign by Qiu Ying (about 1494–1552) and Wang Ao Coming Out of Seclusion to Resume Office by Tang Yin (1470–1524). Both painters were listed as two of the Four Masters of the Wu school. Another figure painting on display was by their teacher, Zhou Chen (about 1460–1535), titled Tang Emperor Minghuang Roaming the Moon Palace. In addition to these three masterpieces, Inviting Pang Degong by Ni Duan (active mid- to late 15th century) and Portrait of Ge Zhenfu are grade-one national treasures.
This rotation also features Gathering of Five Officials by an artist surnamed Ding. This painting depicts a scholarly gathering of five high-ranking officials from Suzhou in the capital during the mid-Ming dynasty. It is an excellent example of group portraiture from the Ming dynasty and provides insight into the social interactions of Ming officials. Another exquisite painting on display is Along the River during the Qingming Festival by an unidentified painter in the late Ming dynasty. This scroll generally follows the composition and painting techniques of the original masterpiece by Zhang Zeduan of the Northern Song dynasty, but there are numerous modifications in the buildings, city walls, bridges, and human activities. It may have incorporated some actual scenes from Ming dynasty Suzhou, making it an important reference for understanding the customs of the Jiangnan region during the Ming dynasty.
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the Palace Museum and solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the exhibition provides an exclusive opportunity for visitors to view these Ming masterpieces under one roof. The exhibition is divided into four rotations, each lasting approximately three months. The final rotation, featuring these paintings, will be on display from 4 September to 30 November 2024.
Remarks
About the Hong Kong Palace Museum
The Hong Kong Palace Museum aspires to become a leading institution on the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture while advancing dialogue between world civilisations. The Hong Kong Palace Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Palace Museum and is funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with a donation of HK$3.5 billion for its establishment, as well as some of the annual exhibitions and education programmes in 2023–2031.
Embracing new curatorial approaches, the Museum combines a Hong Kong perspective with a global vision to present precious artefacts from the Palace Museum and other important cultural institutions around the world. Through research, exhibitions, and educational and professional exchange programmes, the Museum aims to build international partnerships and position Hong Kong as a global hub for art and culture. At heart a resource that belongs to the local community, the Museum strives to inspire community engagement, foster dialogue, and promote creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK)
WestK is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural projects in the world. Its vision is to create a vibrant new cultural quarter for Hong Kong on 40 hectares of reclaimed land located alongside Victoria Harbour. With a varied mix of theatres, performance spaces, and museums, WestK will produce and host world-class exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, providing 23 hectares of public open space, including a two-kilometre waterfront promenade.
https://www.westk.hk/
