Engaging Past Wisdom: Min Chiu Society at Sixty-five

Overview

  • Date
    2025.08.302026.01.14
  • Venue
    The Special Gallery, 2/F
  • Fee
    $30 (Standard)
    $21 (Group)
    $15 (Concessionary)
    Free (Museum Pass)

Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Min Chiu Society
Co-organised by the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Min Chiu Society
Sponsored by the Friends of Hong Kong Museum of Art 

In Chinese bronze script, the character jian resembles the imagery of a figure bending over water, gazing at its reflection in a bronze basin. Over time, the word has taken on a metaphorical meaning—to reflect one’s character. An object that serves only a practical purpose, devoid of deeper meaning, remains merely an ordinary vessel. But when a ware is crafted with meticulous care—balancing utility with symbolic significance—it becomes an embodiment of the Dao that transcends verbal expression. The forms and decorations of ancient artefacts not only reflect our ancestors’ reverence for nature and their quest for cosmic harmony but also bear witness to cultural exchange. In their silhouettes, we discern the essence of the universe; in their patterns, the laws of creation. Each vessel is a cipher to antiquity’s intellectual world, and only by retracing this path can we decipher the past to illuminate the present. 

The distinguished members of the Min Chiu Society have long upheld the aspiration to “revere antiquity while diligently seeking knowledge”. Their practice transcends mere collecting, embracing instead a tradition of meticulous study and has gained international acclaim. In celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Society, this exhibition features over 400 sets of precious Chinese artefacts from their collections, including Chinese painting and calligraphy, ceramics, bronzes, lacquerware, jades, bamboo carvings, furniture and snuff bottles, for the enjoyment, appreciation and enlightenment for all.

The exhibition is also one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The LCSD has all along promoted Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public learn more about broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html.

Tickets for the exhibition are available up to 7 days in advance at all URBTIX outlets and self-service ticketing kiosks at HKMoA or other designated locations on a first-come, first-served basis. Holders of valid Museum Passes can enjoy free admission to this exhibition. 

Addresses of outlets: https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ticket/counter.html 

Distribution of self-service ticketing kiosks: https://www.urbtix.hk/kiosk 

URBTIX internet ticketing: https://www.urbtix.hk/venue-detail/42/ (The system will be updated at 10:00am daily) 

Telephone booking: 3166 1288 

Application for and renewal of Museum Passes: https://www.museums.gov.hk/en/web/portal/museum-pass.html 

Mobile App Booking: 

Android version: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lcsd.urbtix.maoyan 

iPhone/iPad version: https://apps.apple.com/hk/app/urbtix/id1573718637 

HarmonyOS version: https://appgallery.huawei.com/app/C106888409 

To apply for free group guided tour, please click here.

Programme

Talk

Zoom-in Chinese Antiquities” Series
Antiquities as Mirrors: Unveiling Collecting Stories of Min Chiu Society  (Concluded)

In conjunction with the exhibition “Engaging Past Wisdom: Min Chiu Society at Sixty-five”, the Hong Kong Museum of Art will present a series of thematic lectures. Join us for the inaugural session, featuring Mr Lawrence Chan and Mr Cheung Kee Wee, the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Min Chiu Society. These esteemed collectors will share the Society’s remarkable journey over the years, offering exclusive insights into their collecting experiences and connoisseurship through a selection of exhibited works.

Date: 2025.09.06 (Saturday)
Time: 3:004:30pm
Venue: The Hall, 1/F, HKMoA
Speakers: Mr Lawrence Chan, Mr Cheung Kee Wee
Language: Cantonese

Remarks: Enrolment is not required. The Hall will be open for admission 15 minutes before the event commences. Limited quota available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Speaker Profiles:
Mr Lawrence Chan
Lawrence Chan, the owner of Dawentang, is a renowned collector and currently serves as the chairman of the Min Chiu Society. He specialises in Ming and Qing imperial porcelains, with his collection having been exhibited in various museums and highly regarded in academic circles.

Mr Cheung Kee Wee
Cheung Kee Wee is a prominent collector and currently serves as a museum expert advisor for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, as well as Vice Chairman of the Min Chiu Society. He is passionate about Chinese art and is known for his private collection, Huaitaitang, particularly for his collection of porcelain produced from imperial kilns during the Ming and Qing dynasties.