The HKUST Library and Division of Humanities jointly presents

A “小品” (xiao pin) is a miniature version of a normal (life-sized) thing. The exhibition showcases more than 100 artifacts from the Neolithic Period in the third millennium BC to the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) in a variety of materials that includes ceramics, metals, glass and other substances. Highlights include a white glazed Dingyao water pot carved in lotus patterns from Hebei in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127); a black glazed “oil-spot” bowl from Fujian in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279); and a blue glass bottle, only 3 cm high, from Italy during the early Roman Empire (1st century AD). According to recent research, these small objects could have had different possible functions: burial gifts, devotional items, toys, or collectables for literati.

This exhibition also features more than 20 objects from around the world, for reference and comparison, including ancient Egyptian amulets, Greek pottery, Roman glass, and Southeast Asian ceramics. It is hoped that by viewing these ancient artifacts, visitors can feel and witness the cultural exchanges between different regions along the Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road. In addition, viewing and appreciating these small pieces can evoke the past reality of the larger objects they represent.

Officiating Guests:

The Honourable Sir David Akers-Jones, KBE, CMG, GBM, JP

Mr Francis Li Chung-hung, FRAS
Owner, Claire & Francis Heritage Lane
Academic Director, Savantas Liberal Arts Academy
Programme Advisor, UNESCO HongKong Association

Prof Tony F Chan, President, HKUST
Prof Billy So, Head and Chair Professor of Division of Humanities, HKUST
Ms Diana Chan, University Librarian, HKUST

• Dates & Times:    Three Identical tours
      19 Jan, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
      18 Feb, 12:30 – 1:30 pm *
      14 Apr, 12:30 – 1:30 pm *
• Venue:    The Hong Kong Chiu Chow Chamber of Commerce Ko Pui Shuen Gallery
• Presenter:    Mr Francis Li Chung-hung, FRAS
      Owner, Claire & Francis Heritage Lane
      Academic Director, Savantas Liberal Arts Academy
      Programme Advisor, UNESCO Hong Kong Association
• Language:    English (Supplemented with Cantonese)
• Register:    Library Event Registration
• Enquiries:    2358 6710

Mr Francis Li, owner of the exhibits, will give the guided tours and talk about the exhibits.

Mr Li is a well learned scholar in the areas of philosophy, art and history, having had his academics papers selected and presented at important international conferences and authoritative journals. He is the Owner of Claire & Francis Heritage Lane, Academic Director of Savantas Liberal Arts Academy Programme and Advisor of UNESCO Hong Kong Association. He is able to combine his academic training with his passion of art, culture and society, and his initiate knowledge on Chinese art collection and put them in solid practice.

Participants of the tours can feel and witness the cultural exchanges between different regions along the Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road. In addition, viewing and appreciating these small pieces can evoke the past reality of the larger objects they represent.

* Gallery Tours on 18 Feb 2016 and 14 Apr 2016 are HLTH1010 events

Miniatures and Ancient Chinese Society
(小品與古代中國社會)

• Date:    3 March 2016
• Time:    6:00 – 7:30 pm
• Venue:    Multi-Function Room, LG4
• Speaker:    Mr Francis Li Chung-hung, FRAS
      Owner, Claire & Francis Heritage Lane
      Academic Director, Savantas Liberal Arts Academy
      Programme Advisor, UNESCO Hong Kong Association
• Moderator:    Dr Marco Caboara, Digital Scholarship and Archives Manager
• Language:    English
• Register:    All are welcome
      HKUST faculty, staff and students: Library Event Registration
      Others: E-mail library@ust.hk
• Enquiries:    2358 6710

A miniature is a smaller version of a normal life-sized object. They can serve different functions, such as burial gifts, devotional items, toys or collectibles for literati. This talk will investigate the various functions of miniatures in order to show how they connected with people’s daily lives in the ancient Chinese society. Through studying the material and the design of miniatures, one can also understand the cultural dialogues between the East and the West along the Silk Road and the Maritime Trade Route during the medieval times.

Students will get course hours after attending the Talk for fulfillment of Healthy Lifestyle (HLTH1010) Course Requirements.