Multicultural Tang Dynasty Exhibition Opens in Hong Kong, Showcasing Historical Artefacts and Maritime Silk Road Significance

"Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness" exhibition opens

The opening ceremony of the "Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness" exhibition, jointly organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the National Cultural Heritage Administration, was held today (June 27). The exhibition will run at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre from tomorrow (June 28), featuring significant Tang dynasty artefacts unearthed on the Mainland and in Hong Kong to showcase the inclusiveness, diversity and openness of the prosperous Tang dynasty, and introduce Hong Kong's pivotal role in the Maritime Silk Road.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that, as one of the celebration activities of the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, this is the largest joint exhibition, in terms of profile, scale and quantity of artefacts on display, since the signing of the Framework Agreement on Deepening Exchange and Cooperation in the Field of Heritage Architecture and Archaeology between the DEVB and the National Cultural Heritage Administration in 2022. The exhibition marks a move towards a higher level of mutual co-operation. Hong Kong is an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. She is eagerly anticipating that the exhibition can showcase the culture of the majestic Tang dynasty to members of the public and friends from all over the world.

Other officiating guests at the ceremony were Deputy Administrator of the National Cultural Heritage Administration Mr Qiao Yunfei; the Secretary General of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Wang Songmiao; the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau; the Director of Art Exhibitions China, Mr Tan Ping; the Chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board, Professor Desmond Hui; and the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Built Heritage Conservation, Professor Douglas So.

The exhibition is divided into eight sections on the administrative system and governance of the Tang dynasty, the planning of Chang'an city, the life of people, religious beliefs, literati elegance, craftsmanship, prosperous scenes along the Silk Road and Maritime Silk Road, and Hong Kong's role as a node on the Maritime Silk Road in the Tang dynasty. It features 269 significant pieces/sets of artefacts from 28 museums and cultural institutions in 10 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities on the Mainland (including 49 pieces/sets of grade-one cultural relics) and 29 pieces/sets of important artefacts unearthed in Hong Kong and dated to the Tang dynasty.

Among the key exhibits are two paintings, namely the "Scroll depicting Emperor Minghuang playing polo", which is a Song dynasty depiction of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (Minghuang) playing polo with his concubines on horseback; and the hanging scroll of Li Bai's "Chun Ye Yan Tao Li Yuan Xu" (preface to the spring night banquet in the peach and plum garden) on kesi (cut silk) depicting the refined life of Tang dynasty literati. These paintings will only be displayed during the first two months (June 28 to August 27). Other key exhibits include a sancai teaware set with a seated figurine revealing the image of Lu Yu, China's sage of tea; a gold jie comb (hair comb accessory) carved in openwork from a thin piece of gold; a painted figurine of a dancing black man with exotic charm; the "Lun Yu Zheng Xuan Zhu" (the Analects with annotation by Zheng Xuan) copied by Bu Tianshou, which has been included in the first batch of the National Catalogue of Precious Ancient Books; and a crimson gold walking dragon used in ritual ceremonies, which will be displayed throughout the entire exhibition period.

The exhibition also displays significant Tang dynasty artefacts unearthed at Chek Lap Kok, Tung Chung and San Tau on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, including ceramic ware, iron weapons, bronze belt ornaments, silver chai hairpin, glass ring, fragment of silver piece, Kai Yuan Tong Bao (circulating treasure from a new era) and Qian Yuan Zhong Bao (heavy treasure of Qian Yuan reign) bronze coins, to illustrate the role of Hong Kong in the Maritime Silk Road.

The exhibition will run at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre in Kowloon Park, Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, from tomorrow to December 31 with free admission. For details and a short video on the preparation of the exhibition, please visit the website of the Antiquities and Monuments Office of the DEVB.

"Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness" exhibition opens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness" exhibition opens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness" exhibition opens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness" exhibition opens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness" exhibition opens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness" exhibition opens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness" exhibition opens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness" exhibition opens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness" exhibition opens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness" exhibition opens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness" exhibition opens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness" exhibition opens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness" exhibition opens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

Source: AI-found images