An exhibition titled “East Meets West – Past and Present of Shunde’s Guang Embroidery” was held at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) from 12 to 17 September. The aim of the exhibition was to introduce the inheritance and development of Guang Embroidery and showcase its diverse cultural connotations.
Professor Jennifer Lin Fen, CityU’s Associate Vice-President (Global Strategy), extended her gratitude to the Tin Ka Ping Foundation, Fude Handicraft Limited and Guangxiuzhuang for their support in co-organising the exhibition at the opening ceremony on 13 September. “Launched by CityU’s Cultural Exchange Oasis (CXO) since 2021, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Artist-in-residence Project demonstrates the University’s commitment to intangible cultural heritage preservation,” she said.
Professor Lin said that the exhibition offered a valuable opportunity for the public to have a personal experience viewing and learning about the artworks of Guang Embroidery. She hoped that it would enable more people to learn more about the cultural traditions of Guang Embroidery and the lifestyle in the Guangzhou prefecture in the old days.
Professor Jennifer Lin Fen in speech.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Mr Zheng Naiqian, Artist-in-Residence of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Project and Vice-Chairman of the Embroidery Committee of the China Arts and Crafts Association, described the “Manila Shawl” as a representative work of Guang Embroidery exported overseas, becoming a vehicle for the meeting of cultures from East and West over the past 200 years.
Guang Embroidery blends Lingnan’s unique customs and history with its outstanding artistic style, characterised by vibrant colours and rich composition, featuring mainly flowers, birds, fish and insects.
Mr. Zheng (middle) introduces the artworks showcased at the exhibition to the distinguished guests.
The opening ceremony's officiating guests included Professor Li Wenjung, CityU’s Vice-President (Talent and International Strategy); Professor Lin; Mr Zheng; Professor Ricardo Mak King-sang, Chairperson of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee; Mr Tai Hay-lap, Vice-Chairman of the Tin Ka Ping Foundation; Professor Ching May-bo, Head of the Department of Chinese and History, and Chairman of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Artist-in-Residence Executive Committee; and Ms Candy Chouk, Director of the CXO.
Officiating guests at the opening ceremony.
The exhibition was one of the major events in the special programme “Guang Embroidery – A 1,000-year-old National Treasure Flourishes on Fingertips”, presented by the CXO. Other events included lectures, workshops and study tours. For more details, please click here.
The Manila Shawl and long dresses
Embroidered bag “Childhood Fun”
Author: Tiffany Kwan (Communication and Institutional Research Office)