The Quest for Originality: Contemporary Design and Traditional Craft in Dialogue

EVENT DESCRIPTION

While the term sheji (“design”) was not used in China until the late nineteenth century, artisans there have been designing and making beautiful and ingenious objects for millennia. This exhibition brings together over 90 precious objects from the Palace Museum in lively dialogue with Hong Kong contemporary design. It demonstrates the deep interest in innovation, materiality, and function in design shared by people of the past and today, and how contemporary work draws inspiration from time-honoured traditions.

The exhibition includes five sections, each exploring how ideas of design from different eras influence one another while introducing Chinese design concepts, production techniques, as well as design applications. These ideas will be presented through the lens of contemporary design, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the aesthetics of traditional Chinese design.

Section One: The exhibition begins by providing a multi-perspective overview of the connection between contemporary design concept and ancient craftsmanship.
Section Two: Building on the themes explored in the opening section, Part 2 will explore the origins of Chinese craftsmanship and design.
Section Three: This section will focus on the production process and explain how craftsmen adapt their designs to complement the physical properties of various materials.
Section Four: Built around the theme of “user experience”, this section will allow visitors to appreciate Chinese craftsmanship from the user’s perspective.
Section Five: The final section will conclude by examining how Chinese design influenced the contemporary world.

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

The Hong Kong Palace Museum aspires to become one of the world’s leading cultural institutions committed to the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture, while advancing dialogue among world civilisations through international partnerships. The Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Palace Museum, which is funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with a donation of HK$3.5 billion for its establishment, as well as some of the annual exhibitions and education programmes in 2023-2031.

Embracing new curatorial approaches, the Museum will offer a Hong Kong perspective and a global vision, presenting the finest objects from the Palace Museum and other important cultural institutions around the world. Through innovative research and travelling exhibitions, as well as educational, cultural, and professional exchange programmes, the Museum will build international partnerships and help position Hong Kong as a hub for art and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world. As a world-class institution, the Museum is, at heart, a cultural resource that belongs to the community of Hong Kong. And as a dynamic platform, it will inspire community engagement, foster dialogue and partnerships, and promote creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration.