The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM or the Museum) and The Palace Museum today jointly unveiled a new thematic exhibition “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Art of Armaments—Qing Dynasty Military Collection from The Palace Museum” (“The Art of Armaments” exhibition). This is the first of three new exhibitions jointly presented by the HKPM and The Palace Museum this year. Solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, “The Art of Armaments” is the first exhibition in Hong Kong in recent years to highlight the Qing court’s military culture. The exhibition features nearly 190 artefacts from The Palace Museum including 18 grade-one national treasures, and explores the military organisation, military technology, martial spirit and military art of the Qing dynasty, as well as cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries. The exhibition will open to the public in Gallery 4 of the HKPM starting 22 January 2025.
The opening ceremony for “The Art of Armaments” was officiated by Lou Wei, Executive Deputy Director of The Palace Museum; Leo Kung, Chairman of the HKPM Board; Winnie Yip, Head of Charities (Culture, Sports and Community Engagement) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA); and Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM.
Lou Wei, Executive Deputy Director of The Palace Museum, said, “The Palace Museum is a treasure trove of traditional Chinese culture. “The Art of Armaments” presents the cultural charm of The Palace Museum, which embodies 5,000 years of Chinese civilisation. The curatorial team meticulously selected precious objects to illustrate the imperial military history and martial spirit while highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship and artistry of the Qing court. We look forward to the exhibition’s success in bringing to life the rich historical stories behind the treasures of the Forbidden City and captivating audiences from Hong Kong and beyond.”
Leo Kung, Chairman of the HKPM Board, said, “Since its opening two-and-a-half years ago, the HKPM has presented treasures from The Palace Museum in 12 exhibitions. “The Art of Armaments” is the first exhibition in Hong Kong in a long while to focus on the military cultureof the Qing imperial court. Visitors will gain insights into the military culture of the Qing dynasty as well as military reforms and innovations initiated during the time. We believe this exhibition will enable the public, especially students and young people, to understand the development of military art and culture in the Qing court.”
Winnie Yip, Head of Charities (Culture, Sports and Community Engagement) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said, “The Club has long been acting continuously for the betterment of our society, including promoting the development of arts, culture and conservation in Hong Kong and supporting the Central Government’s vision as outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan, which seeks to develop Hong Kong into a centre for East-meetsWest international cultural exchange. This includes the Club’s HK$3.5 billion donation to support the construction of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, enabling citizens and tourists to appreciate historic treasures from Chinese culture and art. The Club is proud to be the Sole Sponsor for this exhibition to promote Chinese culture.”
Qing military culture is illustrated from multiple perspectives. The first rotation features national treasures such as the Qianlong-period replica of the helmet used by Nurhaci
The Manchu emphasised ancestral martial traditions, worked to advance weapon-making techniques for bows, swords and firearms, and dedicated themselves to hunting and drills. The result of these activities was the creation of a variety of court military artwork, the establishment of military rituals and the development of fleets and coastal defence. The exhibition’s Chinese title, Xiumingwubei, is derived from an edict by the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1736–1795) in which he instructed local officials to foster harmony between soldiers and civilians, enhance military preparedness and uphold the trust he, as emperor, placed in them. The title reflects the importance of the military in the Qing court.
The six sections of “The Art of Armaments” are:
- 1- “The Rise of the Eight Banners and Qing Rule” introduces the Eight Banner system established by Nurhaci (1559–1626), founder of the Qing dynasty, along with various specialised military units.
- 2- “Swords and Sabres across the State” presents swords and sabres commissioned by the Qing emperors as well as a multitude of foreign sabres that entered the imperial court.
- 3- “Equestrian Archery and Firearms” highlights the traditional Manchu skills of horseback archery and outlines the imperial court’s emphasis on mastering artillery firing techniques.
- 4- “Military Drills, Inspections and Rites” explores the martial protocols of the Qing dynasty, including the Grand Military Review (Dayue) and drills of the modernised military units.
- 5- “Images as Histories” highlights battle paintings rendered by court artists to capture moments of triumph in major battles.
- 6- “Coastal Defence” spotlights maritime defence construction during the late Qing dynasty.
The exhibition features nearly 190 military artefacts from The Palace Museum’s collection encompassing helmets, archery sets, sabres and swords, equestrian equipment, paintings, textiles, books, albums and scientific instruments. The exhibition will be presented in four rotations*, each lasting approximately three months. Key objects exclusively exhibited in the first rotation include a grade-one national treasure: Qianlong-period replica of the helmet used by Nurhaci, which reflects the imperial descendants’ respect for their ancestors’ achievements.
A highlight of the exhibition is its extensive collection of imperial swords and sabres, including the legendary “Bai Hong” sabre-like knife used by Yi Xin bestowed by the Daoguang Emperor, crafted during the Daoguang period (1821–1850) and bestowed by the emperor upon his sixth son, Yixin (later known as Prince Gong, 1833–1898). Yixin’s brother, the Xianfeng Emperor (r. 1851–1861), allowed Yixin to carry this sabre, which symbolised the power and responsibility entrusted to him. The exhibition also features swords and sabres in the imperial collection that came from other regions of Asia such as the sabre-like knife from Isfahan and the sabre-like knife from Torghut. These artefacts are crafted from superior materials with exceptional skill, embodying both aesthetic values and interaction between different cultures.
Key exhibit depicts naval inspection in the late Qing dynasty. New publication highlights fruitful academic research on the subject
The Album of Reviewing Troops in the Bohai Sea is one of the key exhibits of “The Art of Armaments” exhibition. This colourful 10-page album, which will be displayed on a rotating basis, was created by painters from the Divine Machine Brigade including Qing Kuan (1848–1927), who accompanied Yixuan, titled Prince Chun (1840–1891), on his important inspection of the Beiyang naval defence in 1886. It was the first naval inspection by a prince or minister in modern Chinese history. Subsequent inspections were primarily recorded through photography, making this work a unique piece of traditional court military painting. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view this invaluable artefact from the early days of the modern Chinese naval forces.
At ART EXPRESS by The Commercial Press at the HKPM, visitors can buy a newly published book by The Forbidden City Publishing House. It features specialised articles by the military historian Jiang Ming, and by Dr Wei Chiang Chou, Curator of the HKPM, along with historical materials including the first complete, high-resolution public release of The Album of Reviewing Troops in the Bohai Sea.
“The Art of Armaments” exhibition features dynamic digital animations that break down keybattle scenes and offers audio guides bringing to life the concept of the Eight Banners systemand the stories behind the exhibits. In conjunction with the exhibition, the HKPM will host a variety of learning activities including an interactive workshop themed around battle prints and paintings for children to learn about the unique multi-spatial narratives and to create and roleplay their own characters based on the exhibits. Additionally, the HKPM gift shop will offerthermos bottles, folders and stickers featuring the Bannerman cartoon character created by the Museum, all part of the “HKPM Palace Pals” merchandise series.
“The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Art of Armaments—Qing Dynasty Military Collection from The Palace Museum” exhibition will open to the public in Gallery 4 of the HKPM starting tomorrow, 22 January 2025. The exhibition will be presented in four rotations*, each lasting approximately three months. Visitors can access this exhibition with a General Admission ticket (access to Galleries 1 to 7) or any Special Exhibition ticket (access to Galleries 1 to 7, as well as Gallery 8 and/or 9). Tickets are now available for sale or reservation through the West Kowloon Cultural District’s online ticketing platforms and its ticketing partners.
*Remarks – The rotation schedule of “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Art of Armaments—Qing Dynasty Military Collection from The Palace Museum”
Rotation 1: 22 January 2025 – 21 April 2025
Rotation 2: 23 April 2025 – 21 July 2025
Rotation 3: 23 July 2025 – 20 October 2025
Rotation 4: 22 October 2025 – 21 January 2026
Remarks
About the Hong Kong Palace Museum
Through innovative curatorial approaches, the Hong Kong Palace Museum presents priceless treasures from The Palace Museum along with the finest collections from other worldrenowned institutions. The Museum is also in the process of building its own world-class collection. Opening in 2022, the Museum is a leading institution for the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture and the promotion of dialogue among world civilisations. The Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and The Palace Museum. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust donated HK$3.5 billion to fund the construction of the Museum and part of its annual exhibitions and educational programmes from 2023 to 2031.
Through research, exhibitions, publications, and educational and professional exchange programmes, the Museum builds international partnerships and positions Hong Kong as a global hub for art and culture. A resource that belongs to the local community, the Museum inspires community engagement, fosters dialogue, and promotes creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About The Palace Museum
Established in 1925, The Palace Museum is a broadly representative national museum. It is housed on the grounds of the palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties known as the Forbidden City and its collection is based on Ming and Qing imperial collections. In 1961, the State Council named it a Nationally Protected Key Cultural Heritage Site, and in 1987 it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Palace Museum became a national 5A tourist attraction in 2007. The following year, it was among the first Chinese museums recognized by the National Cultural Heritage Administration as a first-grade museum. Covering over one million square metres, the architectural compound under The Palace Museum’s administration consists of around 9,000 bays (internal spaces defined by columns) of Ming and Qing era structures, making it the world’s largest and best-preserved historical palatial complex.
Today, The Palace Museum is an unparalleled art treasure house with a vast collection of over 1.86 million pieces in twenty-five major categories. It showcases the time-honoured and splendid Chinese civilisation to the public through its imperial palace architecture; the display of original interior settings to illustrate the history of the imperial court; galleries dedicated to decorative arts, timepieces, paintings, calligraphic works, ceramics, and sculptures; and thematic exhibitions.
About the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK)
WestK is one of the largestand most ambitious cultural hubs in the world and Hong Kong’s new cultural tourism landmark, spanning 40 hectares alongside Victoria Harbour. WestK comprises a mix of landmark arts and cultural facilities, including world-class museums M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, intricately designed performing arts venues the Xiqu Centre and Freespace, the 11-hectare Art Park with a waterfront promenade, and the forthcoming WestK Performing Arts Centre.
Hosting approximately 1,000 exhibitions, performances, programmes, and events each year, WestK provides a vital platform for both emerging and established artists. WestK welcomes more than 10 million visitors each year, enriching the cultural influence of Hong Kong and strengthening the city’s strategic role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
https://www.westk.hk/
