A small 18th century vase and boxes for incense tools, displayed on a scroll-shaped table stand. © 2015 Liang Yi Museum

HONG KONG.- Liang Yi Museum presents Scholars and Debutantes: A Contrast of Ascetic and Opulent Luxuries, a two-part exhibition examining the unique history of ‘play things’ or objects of desire that belonged to scholars and sophisticates of the past. Through an anthropological lens, the exhibition seeks to illuminate the culture and society from which these precious objects were derived. The important exhibition is running from 1st September 2015 for six months. 

The gallery on the lower floor of the Liang Yi is devoted to 100 Scholarly Objects, showcasing antique Chinese wood artefacts and the best of the literati tradition from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Concurrently, the top floor gallery is dedicated to A History of Evening Bags, a prized display of European ladies’ minaudières, nécessaires and accessoires during the age of glamour. Together, the contrasting pursuits of the masculine and feminine lend invaluable insights into the traditional gender roles ascribed to high-ranking members of each society. 

At the centre an 18th century lobed wine cup on a foliate tray; on the right a wine cup with metal lining resting on a table stand. © 2015 Liang Yi Museum

100 Scholarly Objects 
"100 Scholarly Objects" displays the truly rare pieces of delicate luxurious small artefact objects from the Ming and Qing dynasties. 100 Scholarly Objects is the largest compendium of its kind to be shown under one roof, showcasing treasured pieces from global collections, including 14 from Liang Yi’s own. “Scholarly objects” encompasses a wide range of accoutrements historically found in Chinese homes and studios, varying from brush-pots and ruyi sceptres to everyday pieces such as trays, ink stones, inlaid boxes and table stands. On display are some significant and truly rare pieces such as a delicate birdcage and a harness mount (for horses) made of zitan; and an imperial scroll box made of huanghuali. 

These practical trinkets played a prominent role in a Confucian society that placed scholars only second to the emperor in the social hierarchy. Yet they often symbolise Buddhist and Daoist philosophies, rejecting materialism in favour of humility and simplicity. As such, visitors are encouraged to contemplate these luxurious objects, appreciating their pared-down aesthetics as an art in itself. 100 Scholarly Objects is organised in collaboration with renowned, London-based, collector Marcus Flacks. 

A 17th or 18th century scholar's rock on a fitted zitan stand. © 2015 Liang Yi Museum

A History of Evening Bags 
Liang Yi Museum's first time showing museum's permanent collection of around 250 pieces of European vanities in "A History of Evening Bags". 

In contrast, the top floor of Liang Yi is transformed into a gallery titled A History of Evening Bags, showcasing around 250 pieces of European vanities from the 20th century and derived from the Museum’s permanent collection. The collection is underscored by their historical and societal contexts, and offers a journey through history, from the relaxation of Victorian morals that allowed upper class women to wear cosmetics and socialise outside of the domestic sphere; to the rising influences of Fabergé and the Ballet Russes with their Russian motifs in the early 20th century; to the advent of the First World War and the subsequent emancipation of women. A History of Evening Bags enthralls, educates and surprises. Drawing on the “opulent”, the glittering display of diamonds, gold, emeralds and rubies offer a glimpse into the ornate world of the evolving woman, with a highlight on the assemblage of haute vanities commissioned from the houses of Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Boucheron among others. 

Nécessaire. Van Cleef & Arpels, around 1950. Gold, silver, rubies and enamels. © 2015 Liang Yi Museum

Gold and diamond mesh bag, circa 1910, from Cartier. © 2015 Liang Yi Museum

“Scholars and Debutantes is a valuable opportunity to contextualise scholarly objects and vanities as reflections of the social and design history of the times. It has been a journey of discovery to organise the two parallel galleries that deeply explore the dialectic relationship between these precious objects, as embodiments of refinement and taste and as symbols of self-identification,” says Lynn Fung, Director of Liang Yi Museum. 

Scholars and Debutantes: A Contrast of Ascetic and Opulent Luxuries continues in Liang Yi Museum’s spirit of engaging international collaborative partners to bring to Hong Kong the highest calibre exhibitions of significant historical value. The current show further establishes the Museum as a pioneering institution that not only houses two iconic collections of classical Chinese furniture and European vanities, but also dedicated to promoting culture, heritage and design in its entirety.

Cursive Script in Tang Dynasty Style. Hao Shiming (b. 1977). Ink and colour on paper, 46 x 46 cm. On loan from the Directors of the Ink Society. © 2015 Liang Yi Museum

Pair of large inlaid boxes. Huanghuali and hardstone inlays. 17th and 18th centuries. 70 x 2 x 16 cm. © 2015 Liang Yi Museum

The 1950s gallery, featuring a selection of vanities that express the fun, frivolous character of mid-20th century fashion. © 2015 Liang Yi Museum