This summer, people in Hong Kong can see up close treasures from museums in China’s northwestern Shaanxi province.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Prosperity and Magnificence – Civilisation of the Sui and Tang Dynasties in Shaanxi Province opened to the public on Saturday at the Hong Kong Museum of History (HKMH) and will run through Aug 24.
Admission is free.
The exhibition covers a wide-ranging history from Wei (220-265), Jin (265－420) and Southern and Northern dynasties (420－581) to Sui (581—618) and Tang (618－907) dynasties, with a focus on the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty in the historical context of the former dynasties.
On display are more than 120 sets of precious relics selected from 11 museums and cultural institutions in Shaanxi, of which 18 sets are grade-one national treasures and nearly half of which are making their debut in Hong Kong.
IN PICTURES: Echoes from Sui, Tang dynasties
Three grade-one national treasures from the Tang Dynasty are going to be on display in the city for the first time: a pure gold reliquary casket with a roof-curb-shaped lid unearthed from Famen Temple in Xi’an, a painted figurine of a female dancer with a double-looped bun discovered in Xianyang city, and a silver-gilt lotus-shaped incense tool uncovered from Hejia Village Hoard in Xi’an.
The dancer figurine reflects the standards of female beauty in the early to high Tang period, while the incense tool shows the extremely high level of gold and silver craftsmanship during that period, according to the curatorial teams from both sides, who spent nine months preparing for the exhibition.
Also on the must-see list are a beautiful white pottery dancing horse and stone reliefs of the Six Steeds of Zhaoling (replicas), which honor the six warhorses ridden by Emperor Taizong of Tang (Li Shimin) during his campaigns, demonstrating exquisite sculpture craftsmanship from that time. It was discovered from the Zhaoling Mausoleum in Liquan county, Xianyang.
Solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the exhibition is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration.
Visitors can appreciate the treasures of ancient Chinese civilization and experience the profound heritage and unique charm of Chinese culture in the exhibition, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said during her speech at the opening ceremony on Friday at HKMH.
Pointing out that Chang’an, the capital of the Tang Dynasty, was a world-renowned international metropolis, she said: “Hong Kong, as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange, shares similar open and inclusive characteristics as Chang’an, promoting the deep integration of diverse ethnic cultures. Both cities play crucial bridging roles in cultural and artistic exchange, showcasing the unique charm of gateway cities.”
Wang Runlu, deputy director of the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, said at the event that Shaanxi and Hong Kong have maintained close exchanges and cooperation in historic and cultural heritage exhibitions. “This is not just an exhibition; it’s more about a dialogue of civilization across time and space.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Lester Huang, deputy chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said through the Hong Kong Jockey Club Series, the club has actively supported high-quality, world-class exhibitions, fostering the development of arts, culture and heritage conservation in Hong Kong over the years.
He said, “These exhibitions attract visitors from around the world, who can experience the unique charm of Chinese culture, while helping Hong Kong strengthen its role as a center for cultural and artistic exchange between China and the rest of the world.”
“As a horse sports organization that is patriotic and deeply committed to Hong Kong, the Jockey Club will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths, serve the needs of the country, and contribute to building a better society,” added Huang.
To mark the Year of the Horse, the exhibition presents equestrian culture-themed displays, including valuable Tang Dynasty artefacts related to polo, ceremonial horse performances, hunting, travel, cavalry and warhorses, which come in the forms of figurines, horse tack and ornaments.
Visitors can also experience Tang-period horsemanship culture and polo, as depicted in Tang Dynasty murals, with immersive virtual-reality and augmented-reality tools at an educational interactive zone near the exhibition venue.
The curatorial team, which designed the layout of the exhibition to assimilate that of Chang’an city, has integrated Sui and Tang poems, murals, projection and animation to inform visitors better about the diverse culture and customs of the Sui and Tang dynasties.
A hidden gem at the end of the exhibition is a selection of over 40 sets of relics excavated in Hong Kong, which were dated from the Six Dynasties (222-589) to the Tang Dynasty and show the city’s significant role in trade and military affairs during the period.
During the Tang Dynasty, Hong Kong was under the jurisdiction of Dongguan county. Finds from the Tang Dynasty include a spirit jar with its lid unearthed from Shek Kong in Yuen Long, a glazed shard of Changsha ware discovered from Sham Wan Tsuen in Chek Lap Kok, and a celadon cup found from San Tau in Lantau Island.
According to Secretary Law, it’s the third exhibition of the LCSD’s General History of China Series, which allows the public in the city, especially the younger generation, to gain a coherent understanding of the long history of the country and a more comprehensive grasp of the profound connotations of Chinese culture. The previous two shows of the series drew more than 420,000 visitors, including 15,000 teachers and students.
