Jointly presented by Leisure & Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and The Memorial Museum of 1911 Revolution and organised by the Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, this exhibition titled ‘Commentary X Humour = Cartoons before and after the 1911 Revolution’ has been highlighted to commemorate Dr Sun Yat-sen's 150th birthday.

This exhibition focuses on the situation in China in the late Qing period and the revolutionary road to the establishment of Republican China through images of cartoons published before and after the 1911 Revolution and other relevant artefacts. The cartoons also reflect the changing social milieu of the period.

A large number of original cartoons sprang up in China during the early 20th century. Cartoons of this era were mostly satire of current affairs, which helped develop civic wisdom. Using simple lines and artistic touches, the cartoons artists condensed Chinese politics and the global landscape of the time into tiny panels and articulated their ideas with great eloquence. Cartoons offered an effective vehicle to highlight the crux of a matter through exaggerated drawings, and conveyed the message within to ordinary people, who were usually not highly intellectual. They helped disseminate information and functioned as revolutionary propaganda, and writing awakened people's awareness of the current situation.

Programme Coordinator: Dr Helen Tinsley

Time: 10:00 -11:00a.m. for guided tour (assemble at 9.45am G/F Museum Lobby)

Admission: Free of charge for RAS group members and their guests

Booking: Please email membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk in advance to reserve your place. Places are limited, so early booking is advised.