Hong Kong Palace Museum and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University have set up a center to deepen global appreciation for China’s rich textile heritage.
The Hong Kong Palace Museum–Polytechnic University Joint Chinese Textile Center will function as a hub for research, education and public outreach, the two institutions said on Wednesday.
The hub aims to facilitate innovative applications of Chinese textile studies across various disciplines, including art, history, science and technology. It’ll also provide valuable resources for PolyU’s Faculty of Humanities, School of Fashion and Textiles, School of Design and other departments to enhance teaching and research initiatives.
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The facility will focus mainly on the history of Chinese textiles, textile archaeology, and the study of Chinese costume, alongside scientific research and textile technology. Both institutions plan to organize a variety of academic activities, including courses, seminars and workshops.
The partnership was formalized at a signing ceremony at which the museum and PolyU said they’re committed to advancing the study and understanding of Chinese textiles.
A cornerstone of the initiative is a donation from Chris Hall -- one of the world’s most influential collectors in Chinese textiles. He has pledged to donate nearly 3,000 items to the museum in 2034, showcasing the intricate artistry and historical significance of Chinese textiles.
The collection, which includes notable artifacts like rank badges from the Ming and Qing dynasties and various religious textiles, spans from the Warring States period (475-221 BCE) to the contemporary era, with parts of it set to be loaned to the museum later this month.
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Speaking at the ceremony, Lam Tai-fai, chairman of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Council, emphasized the potential of the partnership in enhancing the impact of the Chris Hall Collection in contemporary fashion and design while preserving traditional Chinese culture.
He said PolyU has won international acclaim for its academic and research achievements in textiles and design over the years, and the collaboration will leverage the strengths of both institutions to amplify the collection’s influence.
“It aims to enhance global awareness and appreciation of Chinese textile art, while preserving the rich traditions of Chinese culture and solidifying Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange,” he said.
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In an interview after the ceremony, Hall described the center as a vital research and creative platform that will elevate public appreciation for the beauty and significance of Chinese textiles.
“My promised gifts to Hong Kong Palace Museum are the fruition of my art collection efforts over the past few decades. They testify to nearly 3,000 years of history in China, its splendid culture, and the Chinese people’s pursuit of beauty,” he said.
A major exhibition featuring the Chris Hall Collection is slated for next year at Hong Kong Palace Museum, displaying the rich history of Chinese silk culture and the cross-cultural exchanges exemplified by textiles.
Contact the writer at lilei@chinadailyhk.com
