An unprecedented exhibition of China's most valuable national
treasures, including the world famous painting
Along the River
During the Qingming Festival from the Song Dynasty, opened at
the Hong Kong Museum of Art Thursday to mark the 10th anniversary
of Hong Kong's return.
The exhibition is one of the most important events among
hundreds of activities celebrating the anniversary, a gift from the
central government, said Donald Tsang, chief executive of the Hong
Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), while officiating at
the opening ceremony.
Titled "The Pride of China: Masterpieces of Chinese Painting and
Calligraphy of the Jin, Tang, Song, and Yuan Dynasties from the
Palace Museum", the exhibition will present 32 world-acclaimed
masterpieces of Chinese painting and calligraphy preserved by
China's national art collector, including the most valuable pieces
that are seldom on display for the public.
The exhibition will last for over one month in two phases, with
highlights including Zhang Zeduan's Along the River During the
Qingming Festival of the Northern Song Dynasty, Wang Xun's
Letter to Boyuan of the Jin Dynasty, and Zhao Ji's
Auspicious Dragon Rock of the Northern Song Dynasty.
"This is the first time for so many priceless art pieces to be
shown outside the Chinese mainland because most of them are too old
and delicate to survive transportation," said Zheng Xinmiao,
vice-minister of culture and curator of the Palace Museum.
"The exhibition was specially approved for the celebration of
the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return and I believe the people
of Hong Kong will enjoy and cherish those masterpieces from Chinese
history," Zheng added.
(Xinhua News Agency June 29, 2007)
