Hong Kong Palace Museum Signs Collaboration Agreement with Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group to launch “Chinese Gold Craftsmanship Heritage Education Programme”

The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM or the Museum) and Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group (Chow Tai Fook Jewellery) are pleased to announce the signing of a collaboration agreement, marking the launch of the "Chinese Gold Craftsmanship Heritage Education Programme" (the Programme). With a generous sponsorship of HK$10 million from Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, the HKPM will introduce a five-year Programme (2024-2029) dedicated to showcasing the outstanding artistic and technical achievements of Chinese goldsmithing, with a goal of preserving and perpetuating China's rich cultural heritage.

The launching ceremony of the "Chinese Gold Craftsmanship Heritage Education Programme" was held at the HKPM today. Officiating at the ceremony were Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); Lin Zhan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Tsang Tak-sing, Vice Chairman of the HKPM Board; Sonia Cheng, Vice-chairman of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group; Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA); Kent Wong, Managing Director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group; and Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM. A highlight of the ceremony was an expert's sharing session in which Dr Raphael Wong, Associate Curator of the HKPM, shed light on the development of Chinese gold craftsmanship through the Museum's collection, and Wei Jian-feng, General Manager, Gold Jewellery Product Management of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group presented on Chinese gold techniques and innovations in jewellery artistry.

The "Chinese Gold Craftsmanship Heritage Education Programme" is designed to enhance recognition of the development, history, artistic features and cultural significance of Chinese gold craftsmanship among the younger generation. It aims to foster their understanding and appreciation of the Chinese gold artistry, leading them to thereby contribute to the preservation of Chinese culture and nurture a sense of national pride. The Programme, expected to benefit at least 50,000 individuals over the next five years, will feature a diverse series of activities and learning resources focusing on Chinese goldsmithing, gold artefact design and related cultural exchange initiatives, covering thousands of years of Chinese gold craftsmanship. Including:

• Masterclasses: These sessions will delve into the development of Chinese gold craftsmanship, exploring how contemporary artisans and designers have inherited, improved upon and applied ancient craftsmanship and design techniques in their work.
• Goldsmithing Workshops: The workshops will cover the properties of metal materials and the characteristics of Chinese goldsmithing techniques, teach fundamental skills, and guide participants in creating their own pieces with innovative reinterpretations of the traditional artistry.
• Mainland Study Tours: Dedicated tours to gold manufacturing industrial parks in the Mainland will provide practical insights and an in-depth understanding of how the modern gold manufacturing industry leverages advanced technology to drive innovation. Participants will learn directly from master goldsmiths.
• Learning Resources: Educational materials will be developed for students of various ages to introduce the features of gold craftsmanship and guide them in appreciating the diverse designs and cultural significance of gold artefacts. The Programme will also include engaging online experiential games to facilitate effective learning through play.

Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR, said, "The National 14th Five-Year Plan has expressed clear support for Hong Kong to develop into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. One of our important missions is to promote, inherit and spread the traditional Chinese culture, so as to enhance citizens' cultural confidence and national identity. With rich resources, the Hong Kong Palace Museum is an important platform for achieving the goal of making Hong Kong a centre for international cultural exchange and well placed to enable members of the public to experience the Chinese culture. Chinese gold craftsmanship has a long history and exceedingly high level of artistry. Making use of Chinese gold craftsmanship for cultural education not only raises public understanding of and interest in Chinese history, culture and art, but also grooms our next generation to be inheritors of the splendid Chinese culture and enriches the content of our cultural industry."

Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM, said, "The HKPM houses one of the world's most important collections of ancient Chinese gold artefacts. These precious treasures are not only showcased in the Museum's exhibitions but also serve as invaluable resources for academic research and cultural heritage education. With the generous sponsorship of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, we will be launching the five-year 'Chinese Gold Craftsmanship Heritage Education Programme' - the first partnership between the two parties. This initiative will greatly enrich the Museum's educational resources dedicated to Chinese goldsmithing. Together, we will organise activities that encourage the public, especially the younger generation, to explore the immense riches of Chinese culture and elevate the magnificent artistry of Chinese gold craftsmanship to new heights."

Sonia Cheng, Vice-chairman of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, stated, "We are deeply honoured that the Hong Kong Palace Museum has placed its trust in us. Through these educational initiatives, we aim to equip the next generation with skills in jewellery-making and design, fostering creativity and pride in Chinese artistry. Our collaborative efforts signify a meaningful investment in preserving artefacts that are deeply rooted in our rich heritage. As Chow Tai Fook Jewellery celebrates 95 years of masterful Chinese gold craftsmanship, this partnership marks a significant milestone. It reflects our commitment to showcasing China's beauty to the world through our jewellery, fuelling a newfound appreciation of Chinese traditions."

On the day of the event, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery displayed more than 30 gold craft treasures, allowing participants to fully appreciate the pinnacle of Chinese craftsmanship. These treasures showcase traditional gold craft techniques such as toreutics, filigree and hammering. A notable highlight was the "Gods Birthday Celebration on Pure Gold Dragon Boat", designed based on the cultural relic "Ivory Carving Dragon Boat" from The Palace Museum's collection, which was awarded the gold award in the "Baihua Cup Crafts Competition" held by the China Arts and Crafts Association. Assembled from 128 components, the pure gold dragon boat showcased Chow Tai Fook Jewellery's proficiency in hammering, toreutics and filigree techniques, with exceptional craftsmanship evident in both the overall design and intricate details. For more information about the gold craft treasures, please refer to the appendix.

Details of the "Chinese Gold Craftsmanship Heritage Education Programme" will be announced on the HKPM website in due course.