Hong Kong Museum of Art receives another donation of Chinese painting and calligraphy artworks from Chih Lo Lou (with photos)
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The Chih Lo Lou Collection of Chinese paintings and calligraphy was assembled by the late philanthropist and connoisseur of Chinese art, Mr Ho Iu-kwong (1907-2006). He named his studio Chih Lo Lou, meaning "bliss" for the pleasure one derives from viewing ancient masterpieces, while alluding to a Chinese saying that "It is bliss to perform good deeds".
Mr Ho had begun collecting in the 1950s the masterpieces in his collection, especially those of loyalist artists from the late Ming dynasty and the early Qing dynasty, which are highly regarded by scholars and members of art circles around the world. Mr Ho insisted that the character of the artists should take precedence over the quality of the artworks, and resolved to collect only works by artists of irreproachable stature. Therefore, the works in the collection were produced by men with reputations of integrity. The rectitude and nobility of the artists shine through the artworks they have left behind. The amassing of such unique and celebrated masterpieces on the merit of the artists' character provides a thought-provoking example among collectors.
In 2018, 355 masterpieces from this world-class collection with profound artistic, historic and educational value were generously donated by the Ho family to the HKMoA for permanent exhibition and education purposes. A dedicated gallery named the "Chih Lo Lou Gallery of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy" was allocated in 2019 after the donation ceremony.
This year, the Ho family donated eight more masterpieces from their private collection. They are, namely, Qiu Ying's "Dragon awakening in the spring", Kuncan's "Trees in the rain", Huang Xiangjian's "Journey searching for my parents", Gao Jian's "Landscapes depicting poems of Tao Qian" and "Rivers and mountains without end", Xiao Yuncong's "Landscapes", Puhe's "Landscapes and poems in running-cursive script" and Dian Daoren's "Landscapes". The newly donated works will be on display from July 30 until August 29 at the HKMoA (10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon). For details of the exhibition and the admission arrangements, please visit the website at hk.art.museum/en_US/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/works-of-the-second-donation-of-the-chih-lo-lou-collection-of-chinese-painting-and-calligraphy.html or call 2721 0116 for enquiries.
To facilitate cultural exchanges between China and other countries, it is planned that about 50 groups of art pieces from the Chih Lo Lou Collection will travel to Paris, France, for the first time at the end of this year. The art pieces will be on display in the Musée Cernuschi for the benefit of overseas audiences.
In addition, the animation series "A Pleasure in Art: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Appreciation" (hk.art.museum/en_US/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/virtually-at-hkmoa.html) was produced for the collection. As well, a 15-episode programme "An Aesthetic Encounter: Ancient Chinese Painting" (www.rthk.hk/tv/dtt31/programme/ancientchinesepainting) was jointly produced with Radio Television Hong Kong to promote the Chih Lo Lou Collection and appreciation of Chinese painting and calligraphy in an innovative way.
According to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), visitors are required to scan the "LeaveHomeSafe" QR code or register their name, contact number and date and time of entry before being allowed to enter the museum for necessary contact tracing if a confirmed case is found. An appeal is made by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to members of the public to download the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app in advance and scan the QR code with the app before entering. Members of the public who opt for registering their personal information at the scene are reminded to arrive early to avoid delaying their visit, as a longer time is required for such registration.
In view of the latest situation of COVID-19, the museum will apply a quota to limit visitor flow. Visitors to the museum will need to use hand sanitiser and will be subject to temperature checks before admission. They also need to wear their own masks. Children under 12 will only be allowed to enter the museum and exhibition facilities when accompanied by an adult.
Ends/Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Issued at HKT 19:52
Issued at HKT 19:52
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