In early 2018, RASHK arranged a successful and well-attended visit to Prof Jao Tsung-I’s recently opened Academy at a heritage site in Lai Chi Kok, so this exhibition will be of interest to our members.
In collaboration with the Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole of The University of Hong Kong (HKU), the University Museum and Art Gallery (UMAG) presents Searching through Teaching: Professor Jao Tsung-i’s 16 Years at The University of Hong Kong. The works on exhibit, which date from Professor Jao’s 1952–1968 tenure at HKU, illustrate how this period of teaching, research and international exchange laid the foundations for his development as an internationally acclaimed scholar.
The exhibition is divided into four main areas: teaching, research, social circle, and books and artworks donated to the University by Professor Jao. Exhibits include his authored books, lecture notes, examination papers, letters, paintings, calligraphy, and part of his original collection of rare books and autographed editions.
The exhibits are on loan from the Jao family, UMAG, and the Petite Ecole. The broad assortment of items elucidates how Professor Jao’s 16 years of teaching, research, and engagement with international academic exchange at HKU led him from Hong Kong to the world stage, thus bringing a tremendous and lasting impact on the international community of sinologists.
Professor Jao expressed enduring gratitude for the University’s contributions to his achievements. He was particularly grateful to Professor F. S. Drake, Professor Lo Hsiang-lin, and Mr. Ho Kwong-chung of the Chinese Department for their encouragement and support. HKU’s structure as a research institute is a key reason that Professor Jao could focus on multiple fields of study during his 16 years on campus. As an international university, HKU also offered him an outstanding platform for cultural exchange. This platform, in addition to allowing Professor Jao to engage with local and Taiwanese colleagues, facilitated his entry into western sinology circles and his close contact with several world-renowned sinologists. This group of scholars, with whom he frequently exchanged research and insight, included Paul Demiéville, David Hawkes, Joseph Needham and Kōjirō Yoshikawa. His association with the University also allowed him to participate in a number of key international academic conferences. Ultimately, each of these factors contributed to Professor Jao becoming one of the leading authorities of his generation.
A guided tour of this exhibition has been arranged exclusively for RASHK members and their guests.
The Docent
English-speaking docent of the University Museum and Art Gallery (UMAG), The University of Hong Kong.
Time: RAS Group gathers at 9:45 a.m.; guided tour starts 10:00 a.m.
Admission: RAS Members $100; Non-Members / Guests $150
Booking: Please email membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk in advance to reserve your place and pay at the door