Contemplation: Highlights of the donation of the Jingguanlou Collection

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Jingguanlou is a private art collection primarily on 20th century Chinese painting and calligraphy, compiled by the local connoisseur Dr Leo Wong Kwai-kuen. Dr Wong has generously donated to the Hong Kong Museum of Art a total of 1,108 priceless works of art from various categories. In this exhibition, about sixty sets of precious works from the main categories of the donation will be displayed: works by masters of the Shanghai School namely Zhu Qizhan (1892-1996), Xie Zhiliu (1910-1997) and Chen Peiqiu (1923-2020); a collection of couplets, folding fans and albums, dating from the Qing dynasty to the modern era; a series of purple clay teapots with rubbings; and Dr Wong’s own photographic works.

The term Jingguan literally means “viewing silently” and is derived from the wisdom of Cheng Ho, a famous Confucian scholar of the Northern Song, that “All things can provide contentment when viewed with calm contemplation”, which emphasises the inspiration that is derived from inner vision. It reflects Dr Wong’s philosophy in collecting, which is based on serendipity and a calm mind. By donating his collection to the HKMoA, Dr Wong wishes to give the public the opportunity to share his joy in and affection for the outstanding Chinese art he has acquired.