Jingguanlou Collection

Jingguanlou

Jingguanlou is a private art collection primarily on 20th-century Chinese painting and calligraphy, compiled by the local connoisseur Dr Leo Wong Kwai-kuen. Dr Wong has generously donated to the Hong Kong Museum of Art a total of 1,110 priceless works of art from various categories: works by masters of the Shanghai School of painting; a collection of couplets, folding fans and albums, dating from the Qing dynasty to the modern era; a series of purple clay teapots with rubbings; and his own photographic works. With a particular fondness for the Shanghai School, Dr Wong has encountered many of the Shanghai famous artists and established a comprehensive collection of works created by Zhu Qizhan (1892 – 1996), Xie Zhiliu (1910 – 1997) and Chen Peiqiu (1923 – 2020) at different stages in their lives. Reflecting the close friendships that he enjoyed with these masters of Chinese art, Dr Wong's collection not only serves as an invaluable resource for research into the Shanghai School in the modern era, but also illustrates the development of Chinese painting and calligraphy in the 20th century. Dr Wong's photographs are also highly valued for the appreciation of Chinese art and culture. Profoundly influenced by Zhu Qizhan, he explores and strives to break through the visual language of photography with undertones of traditional aesthetics.

The term Jingguanlou literally means "the studio of silent viewing" and is derived from the wisdom of Cheng Ho, a famous Confucian scholar of the Northern Song, that "All things can provide contentment when viewed with calm contemplation", which emphasises the inspiration that is derived from inner vision. It reflects Dr Wong's philosophy in collecting, which is based on serendipity and a calm mind. In November 2021, Dr Leo Wong Kwai-kuen donated his lifelong collection to the HKMoA to give the public the opportunity to share his joy in and affection for the outstanding Chinese art he has acquired. The abundant and valuable items from Jingguanlou have not only enriched the museum collection of 20th-century painting and calligraphy, but also laid a solid foundation for the HKMoA to be a noticeable hub for the collection and research on Chinese painting and calligraphy. The donation further recognises the HKMoA as a home for local private collections and has enhanced its status as an international museum.

With heartfelt gratitude to Dr Wong's selfless contribution to the museum, a dedicated gallery, named the "Jingguanlou Gallery" will be established on the fourth floor of the HKMoA for display and appreciation of this significant donation.

 

The Founder of Jingguanlou: Dr Leo Wong Kwai-kuen

Dr Leo Wong Kwai-kuen is a retired doctor, renowned photographer and collector. A graduate of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, he embarked on a long career as a medical specialist. He is also a photographer who has received numerous international awards, and his artistic vision and insights provide the inspiration for his collections. Entitled Zhanyuantang in early years, Dr Wong's collection initially focused on the works by the masters of Shanghai School of painting, and later formed the Jingguanlou, which is the culmination of his efforts to establish a collection of 20th-century Chinese painting and calligraphy. Back in the 1980s, Dr Wong was invited to join the Min Chiu Society, the famous Hong Kong collectors' group, and once served as its president. He currently acts as Museum Expert Advisor for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.