Jockey Club brings huge Han Dynasty collection to HK

06/23/2015

One of the most comprehensive collections of Han Dynasty artefacts ever assembled goes on show at the Hong Kong Museum of History from tomorrow (24 June) in the latest Hong Kong Jockey Club Series cultural presentation. Fundedsolelyby the Club’s Charities Trust, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Rise of the Celestial Empire - Consolidation and Cultural Exchange during the Han Dynasty commemorates the 60th anniversary of the discovery of the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb in the city by showcasing some 162 sets of cultural relics selected from 40 cultural institutes in over ten provinces and cities across China.

Today (23 June), Club Steward the Hon Sir C K Chow joined Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam, State Administration of Cultural Heritage Director Wang Li, Art Exhibitions China Deputy Director Zhou Ming, History Museum Advisory Panel Chairman Stanley Wong, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Michelle Li and Hong Kong Museum of History Director Belinda Wong to officiate at the opening ceremony.

Sir C K said that enabling such exhibitions to come to Hong Kong demonstrated the Club’s commitment to supporting arts and cultural development across the city, with sponsorship totalling over HK$2.2 billion over the past decade. He said the Club also sponsored a series of education and outreach programmes to enhance the interest of the younger generation in Chinese history and culture. “We thank the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Art Exhibitions China for bringing such comprehensive exhibits of the Han Dynasty to the Hong Kong Museum of History, and for helping enrich the exhibition with interactive programmes enabling the community to have a better understanding of the rich culture” he said. The brand new HKJC Series in 2015/2016 also features national-level cultural relics from Ming and Qing dynasties, aiming to further the understanding of Hong Kong people towards three prosperous Chinese dynasties and the contributions of their cultural influences.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Rise of the Celestial Empire - Consolidation and Cultural Exchange during the Han Dynasty, the first exhibition under The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series this year, introduces the history and rich culture of the Han Empire – the longest reigning dynasty in China. Highlights include the jade burial suit made of 4,248 pieces of well-polished jade from the Mausoleum of Prince Chu at Xuzhou (which is displayed in Hong Kong for the first time); the terracotta warriors from Han Yangling; the gilt bronze container with a phoenix on the lid in which liquid wine was found at the time it was discovered – the only sample of wine unearthed from the Han dynasty sites; the coloured five-storey pottery granary house from Jiaozuo; as well as the jade door lock with patterns of animal face from Han Maoling.

To enhance visitors’ experience, a computer 3D animation of the Han capital Chang’an and its royal Weiyang Palace (almost seven times the size of the Forbidden City) allows visitors to appreciate its architectural beauty and historical significance. In addition, the Club’s support covers various education and outreach activities, including public lectures conducted by renowned experts of the Han Dynasty, guided tours, and teacher and student orientation visits. For details, please visit:
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/History/en_US/web/mh/exhibition/current.html.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series is a partnership between the Club’s Charities Trust and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department launched in 2012/2013 to support two to three exhibitions each year, with an annual funding of HK$17 million. The exhibitions are complemented by educational programmes. A previous Series hit was the record-breaking Legends of the Giant Dinosaurs, last year’s extremely popular Studio Ghibli Layout Designs: Understanding the Secrets of Takahata and Miyazaki Animation and the largest of its kind ever in Hong Kong Dunhuang: Untold Tales, Untold Riches. Another exhibition under this HKJC Series is the Western Scientific Instruments of the Qing Court exhibition, to be held at the Hong Kong Science Museum from 26 June to 23 September 2015, The Radiant Ming 1368-1644: Through the Min Chiu Society Collection will be held at the Hong Kong Museum of History in December 2015.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class horse racing operator and Hong Kong’s largest community benefactor, as well as one of Asia’s most prestigious membership clubs. Operating as a not-for-profit organisation, the Club allocates its surplus funds for charitable and community projects. In 2013/14, its donations reached a record $3.6 billion, and in the last decade alone it supported over 1,275 projects. The Club is also Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer, contributing a record HK$19.58 billion in 2013/14. With about 70% of its revenue given back to society every year through donations and tax contributions, The Hong Kong Jockey Club delivers a significantly higher return to the community than any other racing and/or sports betting organisation in the world. As a socially responsible organisation, the Club helps Government combat illegal betting and advocates responsible gambling. The Club is also one of Hong Kong’s largest employers with over 24,800 full-time and part-time staff. Committed to global excellence and giving back to society, the Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong. Please visit 130.hkjc.com.