The Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) is deeply honoured to receive a generous donation of 93 precious calligraphic and seal carving works from the family of renowned Hong Kong calligrapher Jat See-yeu. The Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan, presented a certificate of appreciation to Mr Jat's son, Mr Jat Sew-tong, SC, on behalf of the department.
 
     Jat (1935 - 2009) had dedicated his life to the art of calligraphy, with a profound knowledge of Chinese calligraphy and Chinese classics. Years of devoted research in paleography, combined with inspiration from the New Ink Movement, led him to develop a  fresh new concept of calligraphic creation. Jat also actively participated in the promotion and education of calligraphy. He served as a calligraphy instructor at major institutions for years. He was an arts adviser to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department since 2001. In the same year, he was awarded the Medal of Honour by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government for his contributions to fostering the art of calligraphy. The donation comprises a calligraphic scroll, albums of fountain pen calligraphy, folding fans of calligraphy and painting, and seals by Jat, which signify various periods of his artistic journey, showcasing a diversity of calligraphic scripts and styles that reflect his spirit of preserving tradition while boldly exploring new horizons. The donation also includes seals gifted by various contemporary calligraphers and seal carvers, marking his friendship and connections with his peers and emerging artists.
 
     The family of Jat had already donated over 100 works of calligraphy and paintings by him to the HKMoA in 2023. Their commitment to sharing their private treasures with the public reflects their selfless and noble spirit. In 2023 and 2024, the HKMoA organised the exhibition "Boundless Universe: Calligraphy by Jat See-yeu", featuring a selection of donated artworks and pieces from the museum's collection. The HKMoA also conducted the Research Project on Hong Kong Calligraphy, which studied Jat's life and art of calligraphy for the community. The research outcomes and archival materials of the calligrapher have been uploaded to the Hong Kong Art Research Portal (hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/resources/hong-kong-art-research-portal/artists-and-research/research-projects/research-project-on-hong-kong-calligraphy.html) for online viewing, further promoting Hong Kong art and facilitating academic research.
           
     These two batches of donations are invaluable primary sources for exploring Jat's artistic journey, significantly contributing to the research and promotion of Hong Kong art while further enriching the HKMoA's collection.
 
     Established in 1962, the HKMoA is the first public art museum in Hong Kong, now the custodian of an art collection of over 19 700 items. The rich collection spans historical eras from the Neolithic Age to contemporary times, representing the diversity and cultural significance of artistic legacy from Hong Kong and beyond. Over the years, the museum has received generous support and multiple precious donations from collectors, artists and their families, which enrich the museum collection and highlight its publicly recognised achievements in preserving and safeguarding art. The HKMoA is committed to preserving and utilising these treasured artworks, in honour of the donors' generosity while upholding and protecting the Chinese culture.

Ends/Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:18

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