On Ink and Bamboo: The Hua-e Jiaohui Lou Donation Exhibition Opens in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Museum of Art opened the exhibition 'On Ink and Bamboo: The Hua-e Jiaohui Lou Donation' on 30 October 2026, with the display running until 7 April 2027. The exhibition presents nearly 200 sets from a donation of over 340 items from the Hua-e Jiaohui Lou collection.

This diverse collection features wood carvings, Chinese painting and calligraphy, ink rubbings, and textiles. Modern bamboo carvings form the largest category, representing the most substantial donation of bamboo carvings received by any museum in Hong Kong over the past forty years.

Many of the bamboo carvings are inspired by paintings and calligraphy, with artisans transposing ink brush strokes into carved marks. These designs are then captured as ink rubbings, creating a dialogue between carving and brushwork.

This interplay reflects the artistic bonds and shared vision among artisans, painters, literati, and the collector, demonstrating the refined elegance of bamboo-carving art. The collection also includes notable pieces such as a gold brocade textile with a hare design from the Yuan dynasty.

The exhibition is part of the Chinese Culture Promotion Series organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), which has long promoted Chinese history and culture through various programmes and activities.

Visitors to the museum can explore the fusion of traditional Chinese art forms and appreciate the cultural significance of bamboo carving within the broader context of Chinese artistic heritage.