The most ever! This Hong Kong "collection group" turns 65

This is an extraordinary exhibition, truly unprecedented—it not only brings together the private collections of over 40 members of the Min Chiu Society, Hong Kong's leading art collecting organization, but also showcases over 400 precious artifacts at once, taking viewers on a journey through the splendid history of Chinese civilization spanning 5,000 years.

This is the exhibition "Learning from the Past to Understand the Present: The 65th Anniversary of the Min Chiu Society," which recently opened with great fanfare at the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Co-organized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Min Chiu Society, the exhibition has garnered significant attention for its sheer quantity, breadth, and high standards.

Exhibits encompass Chinese calligraphy and painting, ceramics, bronzes, lacquerware, jades, bamboo carvings, furniture, and snuff bottles, spanning the Bronze Age to the 20th century. Among the exhibits are numerous artifacts from imperial collections and significant artifacts, vividly depicting the continuous splendor of Chinese culture.

Among the many exquisite pieces, the following are particularly breathtaking: a Western Zhou Dynasty Zhouyu pot, once part of the Qianlong Emperor's collection, now on public display in Hong Kong for the first time.

Remarkably preserved for a thousand years, its dignified form and exquisite decoration make it a model of the Qing imperial bronze collection; a Ming Dynasty Xuande official kiln blue and white vase with a double phoenix pattern, its lustrous glaze and vibrant blue and white hues showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and elegance of official kiln porcelain;

a Qing Dynasty jasper screen depicting "All Nations Paying Homage," featuring a warm jade material, intricate carving, and a grand and rare subject matter, making it a rare treasure in the history of jade. Also on display are the Qianlong Emperor's auspicious robes, intricately embroidered with a golden dragon and twelve emblems, a majestic aura;

a six-legged, six-poster bedstead with mother-and-child drawers from the late Ming Dynasty, featuring a rigorous construction and exquisite materials; and Zhang Daqian's imitation of Shitao's "Drunken Man in Autumn Forest," with its fluid brushwork and transcendent artistic conception, exemplifying the master's style.

Since its founding in 1960, the Min Chiu Society has consistently upheld the spirit of "loving antiquity and pursuing knowledge," bringing together Hong Kong's elite collectors from all walks of life to promote Chinese art and culture.

Its rich and diverse collection of top-tier artifacts has enjoyed international acclaim for over six decades, confirming Hong Kong's status as a major international collecting hub. Members such as Ho Yiu-kwong, Lo Kwai-sang, and Wong Kwai-kuen have generously donated numerous important works to public museums for the benefit of the public.

This exhibition also unveils for the first time precious historical documents of the Min Chiu Society, including its founding charter, minutes of early meetings, and seals. These time-honored materials clearly outline the Society's trajectory, infusing the exhibition with profound historical depth and offering viewers a glimpse into the original aspirations and perseverance of this leading collector.

The Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Min Chiu Society have been long-standing partners, and their joint exhibitions have always been considered prestigious events in the collecting world. Sponsored by the Friends of the Hong Kong Museum of Art and included in the "Promoting Chinese Culture Series," this exhibition aims to present the public with a cultural feast of both depth and breadth, revitalizing millennia-old treasures.

To enhance the audience's immersive experience, the curatorial team has introduced innovative concepts: reinterpreting antiquities from a contemporary perspective, connecting the aesthetic resonances between ancient emperors, literati, and today's collectors, allowing the story of humanity and artistic heritage to unfold. Furthermore, the exhibition cleverly integrates technology, utilizing digital techniques such as holographic projection to "revive" key cultural relics, breaking the limitations of traditional exhibitions.

Visitors can interact with the virtual artifacts, carefully appreciate their patterns and craftsmanship, explore the legends behind them, and truly experience the profound meaning of "appraising the past and understanding the present."