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Heritage Museum to stage exhibition on selected paintings and poems by Lingnan School of Painting master painter Chao Shao-an (with photos)
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     The Hong Kong Heritage Museum (HKHM) is presenting the exhibition "On Flowers: Selected Paintings and Poems by Chao Shao-an" from tomorrow (April 15). Themed around "emotions anchored in nature", this exhibition features a fine selection of over 30 exquisite paintings of flowers and plants by Professor Chao Shao-an from the HKHM's collection. The works are complemented by the artist's poetic inscriptions, achieving a seamless fusion of poems and paintings.
 
     Professor Chao (1905-1998), a master painter of the Lingnan School of Painting, is best known for his bird-and-flower paintings, and dedicated his life to the study of nature. As a keen observer, he captured the myriad forms and graceful rhythms of flowers and plants in his nimble brushwork and brilliant composition, producing floral works that exemplify the style of the Lingnan School of Painting.
 
     The exhibition focuses on Professor Chao's floral paintings with poems, showcasing multiple layers of meaning in his works. In paintings "Bird on Winter Pine", "Weeping Cicada in Chilly Wind", "Plum Blossoms", and "Orchid", Professor Chao took pine trees, bamboo, plum blossoms, and orchids, and imbued them with noble virtues. By incorporating ancient poems into his portrayals of crab apple blossoms after the rain, magnolia flowers in winter and apricot blossoms blowing in the wind, Professor Chao fuses natural beauty and literary sentiment on sheets of paper. The exhibition offers visitors a chance to feel as if they are in the splendid world of the master's ink art, and experience the poetic artistry embodied in the works.
 
     Painting demonstration videos with rare footage of Professor Chao teaching and painting will be shown at the gallery. From demonstrating brushwork and composition skills to colour application, visitors can have a deeper understanding of the master's creative process.
 
     To tie in with the exhibition, the HKHM will organise activities and guided tours with free admission. At the Petals and Ink: Handmade Gift Card Workshop, participants can create their own unique handmade gift cards, write floral blessings, and share their heartfelt messages to friends and family. Moreover, a variety of engaging educational activities and guided tours will be held to enable visitors of all ages to step into the world of Lingnan blossoms, explore the charm of art, and extend their museum journey beyond the exhibition.
 
     The exhibition is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and organised by the HKHM. It is held at the Chao Shao-an Gallery, 1/F, the HKHM. Admission is free. For details of the exhibition and activities, please visit the website at hk.heritage.museum/en/exhibitions/csa_flower.html.
 
     The exhibition is also one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit ccpo.gov.hk/en.
 
Ends/Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:30
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The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is presenting the exhibition "On Flowers: Selected Paintings and Poems by Chao Shao-an" from tomorrow (April 15).
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is presenting the exhibition "On Flowers: Selected Paintings and Poems by Chao Shao-an" from tomorrow (April 15). Photo shows Professor Chao Shao-an's exquisite paintings of flowers and plants, complemented by the artist's poetic inscriptions, creating a seamless fusion of word and image.
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is presenting the exhibition "On Flowers: Selected Paintings and Poems by Chao Shao-an" from tomorrow (April 15). Photo shows Professor Chao Shao-an's artwork "Bird on Winter Pine", with the inscription on the painting, "integrity in such an elegant posture, an outstanding hero in the frosty winter", taken from a poem by Tao Yuanming. Professor Chao took pine trees and imbued them with the noble character of a gentleman.
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is presenting the exhibition "On Flowers: Selected Paintings and Poems by Chao Shao-an" from tomorrow (April 15). Photo shows Professor Chao Shao-an's artwork "Plum Blossoms", with the extraordinary elegance and proud spirit of plum blossoms on full display.
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is presenting the exhibition "On Flowers: Selected Paintings and Poems by Chao Shao-an" from tomorrow (April 15). Photo shows Professor Chao Shao-an's artwork "Orchid" with the inscription on the painting, "its dewy flowers weave into the jade of the Xiang River deity, transporting one in the breeze to a celestial palace", taken from verses to praise orchids for their fragrance and elegance.
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is presenting the exhibition "On Flowers: Selected Paintings and Poems by Chao Shao-an" from tomorrow (April 15). Photo shows a painting demonstration video of Professor Chao Shao-an, which enables visitors to have a deeper understanding of the master's creative process.