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Jockey Club sponsors exhibition depicting Western scientific influence on Qing Dynasty

06/25/2015

History enthusiasts wishing to understand how China utilised outside technological developments over the years should head to the Hong Kong Science Museum, where an exhibition opens 26 June featuring the heyday of scientific and cultural exchange between China and the West during the Qing Dynasty. Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Western Scientific Instruments of the Qing Court exhibition features about 120 exhibits on loan from The Palace Museum, many of which are being displayed in Hong Kong for the first time.

Today (25 June), Club Deputy Chairman Anthony W K Chow joined Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam, The Palace Museum Director Dr Shan Jixiang, Hong Kong Science Museum Advisory Panel Chairman Professor Roland Chin, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Michelle Li and Hong Kong Science Museum Director Karen Sit to officiate at the opening ceremony.

Mr Chow said the Club’s sponsorship of the arts and cultural development in the city amounted to more than HK$2.2 billion over the past decade. He noted that this exhibition illustrates the difference in scientific development between China and the West. “Our support also includes various education activities including public lectures, guided tours and interactive outreach workshops, enhancing the interest of the younger generation in science and Chinese history and culture” he said. The brand new HKJC Series in 2015/2016 also features national-level cultural relics from Han and Ming dynasties, aiming to further the understanding of Hong Kong people towards three prosperous Chinese dynasties and the contributions of their cultural influences.

On display until 23 September, the nearly three-month exhibition presents treasured relics cover eight main themes – paintings, astronomy, mathematics, measurement, medicine, weapons, articles for daily use, and clocks. Highlights include an iron gun used by Emperor Kangxi; a clock with a barometer and a thermometer; a rectangular wooden hand-cranked mutoscope; a British-made bicycle used by Emperor Puyi; and the painting All Nations Coming to the Court to Present Tributes by a court artist under the imperial edict of Emperor Qianlong, to show off the power and might of the Qing Empire.

Multimedia installations allow participants to experience the moment when foreign delegations presented gifts to the emperor, and provide visitors with additional information through exciting and interactive presentations. In addition, renowned experts from The Palace Museum will present public lectures to illustrate the working mechanisms and the underlying scientific principles. The Museum will also organise fun science classes for kids to create their own science instruments. For details, please visit: http://hk.science.museum/ms/wsi2015/eindex.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. Popular previous events include the Treasures from Tsarskoye Selo, Residence of the Russian Monarchs and Dunhuang Untold Tales, Untold Riches exhibitions. Another of this year’s HKJC Series is the current The Rise of the Celestial Empire Consolidation and Cultural Exchange during the Han Dynasty exhibition which is being held at the Hong Kong Museum of History until 5 October, 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.

Club Deputy Chairman Anthony W K Chow says the Club supports various education activities to enhance the interest of the younger generation in Chinese history and culture.
Club Deputy Chairman Anthony W K Chow says the Club supports various education activities to enhance the interest of the younger generation in Chinese history and culture.

Club Deputy Chairman Anthony W K Chow (2nd right) joins Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam (3rd right), The Palace Museum Director Dr Shan Jixiang (3rd left), Hong Kong Science Museum Advisory Panel Chairman Professor Roland Chin (2nd left), Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Michelle Li (1st right) and Hong Kong Science Museum Director Karen Sit (1st left) to officiate at the opening ceremony of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Western Scientific Instruments of the Qing Court.
Club Deputy Chairman Anthony W K Chow (2nd right) joins Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam (3rd right), The Palace Museum Director Dr Shan Jixiang (3rd left), Hong Kong Science Museum Advisory Panel Chairman Professor Roland Chin (2nd left), Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Michelle Li (1st right) and Hong Kong Science Museum Director Karen Sit (1st left) to officiate at the opening ceremony of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Western Scientific Instruments of the Qing Court.

Group photo.
Group photo.

Photos 4 /5 /6 /7 /8: <br>
Officiating guests tour The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Western Scientific Instruments of the Qing Court.
Photos 4 /5 /6 /7 /8:
Officiating guests tour The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Western Scientific Instruments of the Qing Court.





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