Hong Kong is now best known for its role as an international financial centre. But little do we know, Hong Kong had a thriving porcelain industry during the 20th century. To illustrate this integral part of the art, culture and history of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Heritage Museum presents an exhibition showcasing an array of 20th-century porcelains of Hong Kong.

Pair of deities in Qianlong fencai style, 1978-80. Painted by An Tai Porcelain & Ceramics. Collection of Mr Lee Wing-chiu

Spanish stool with rose medallion design in guangcai style, circa 1995. Decal printed by To Ngai Earthware (Hong Kong). Blank and decal transfer by To Ngai Earthware (Meizhou). Collection of Liu Chiu-yuen

As a world trading port in the 20th century, Hong Kong developed unique painted porcelain with diverse shapes and rich decorations using continually innovative techniques. This particular type of painted porcelain, known as gangcai, combines Chinese and Western cultural elements, while presenting the distinct local colour of Hong Kong. Popular among both the Chinese and Western communities, gangcai represents the prime period of the painted porcelain industry in Hong Kong.

Horse in fencai style, early 1980s. Blank by Pang Chi-wing, hand-painted by Ng Siu-man, coloured by Ng Yuen Wai-fong Collection of The Hong Kong Ceramics Research Society

Covered jar with gilded copper ornamentation and mandarin design in Qianlong guangcai style, 1999. Blank by Wah Mou, hand-painted by Zhang Quan. Collection of Wah Tung China Arts

The exhibition displays more than porcelain objects painted and produced by by local painters and porcelain factories, including vintage and armorial porcelain ware that was mainly for export, as well as daily and decorative pieces that were widely popular in Hong Kong.

Other highlights of the exhibition:

Plate in Guangcai style with Canton Rose medallion design, 1960s. Hand-painted by Wong Nin. Collection of Yuet Tung China Works

Relief plagues with scenes of the making and trading of porcelain, early 1990s. Blank produced and painted by porcelain factory Tung Kwong Lai Kee. Layout design by Lee Ying-sang. Collection of Ho Kwong-sing

Plate with “The announcement of the birth of Christ”, 1959. Painted by Chou Yi-hung. Collection of Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre

Plate with scene of an angel announcing the resurrection of Christ, 1959. Hand-painted by Chou Yi-hung. Collection of Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre

Golden Splendours: 20th-Century Painted Porcelains of Hong Kong

Period: 19 December 2018 - 18 March 2019
Venue: Hong Kong Heritage Museum
Address: 1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin
Opening hours:

• Monday, Wednesday to Friday｜10am - 6pm
• Saturday, Sunday and public holidays｜10am - 7pm
• Christmas Eve and Chinese New Year's Eve｜10am - 5pm
• Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese New Year｜closed

Admission: free
Enquiries: +852 2180 8188