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Collection means the gathering, preservation, and classification of valuable objects, both old and new. It is a universal and innate human activity that evolved throughout history. There have been varied ways of collecting in different countries and ages. For instance, ancient Egyptians built in Thebes (today’s Middle Egypt) gigantic palaces and libraries where precious items and books from around the world were collected. Also, during the Middle Ages, Christians would carefully preserve holy relics, such as saints’ objects or martyrs’ shrouds and bones, in exquisite gold and silver caskets.
During the Renaissance, the Medici family, rulers of Florence, and successive Popes had a passion for collecting art, thus lots of famous European artists had been creating artworks for them. They could be said to be the first to sponsor artists, unwittingly spawning a tradition of artistic patronage passed down to contemporary art collectors. Therefore, collection means not only to keep precious artworks in good condition, but also, in a broader sense, financially support artists and in the end, artistic creation. Moreover, as collectors’ tastes and preferences of art often influence artists’ works to a certain extent, art collection has played a vital role in art development.
China traces its history of collection back to the Three Dynasties (Xia, Shang, and Zhou), when people started collecting ritual objects, but the heyday of art collection came in the Tang and Song eras, when high rank officials and literati enjoyed collecting rare, precious objects, indulging themselves in leisure activities associated with these treasures. Since then, the collection and study of artifacts became more sophisticated. Most extant ancient artworks have been preserved and passed down by collectors through the ages, serving as a manifestation of the spirit, culture, aesthetics and mores of different periods in China.
This exhibition presents over 100 pieces (sets) of relics, on loan from 11 private collectors from Hong Kong and Macao, including Wu Qi Lou, Xin Suo Yu Zhai, Zhen Qin Zhai, Ho Su Kei, Yi Qing Xuan, Le Zhai, Wong Yue Kai (Eddie), Rity & Herry Ma Collection, Wan Hua Tang, Lai Veng Lok, Han Mo Xuan. Exhibits mainly featuring calligraphic works and paintings, but also appealing artifacts like porcelains, bamboo and wooden pieces, ‘treasures of the study’ (intricate works of art adorning the scholar’s studio), and bronzes. Each piece of unique cultural value truly bears the millenary Chinese art traditions. It is hoped that this event will offer viewers a chance to appreciate these rare exhibited gems of art, giving them a glimpse into Chinese profound and vibrant culture, while making them aware of the need to preserve and pass down traditional art.
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