The Story of Jao Tsung-i

1/F Thematic Galleries 3, 4 & 5
27 November 2019 – 22 June 2020

Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and The University of Hong Kong
Jointly organised by Hong Kong Heritage Museum and Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole, The University of Hong Kong
Supported by HKEdCity, Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government, Macao Museum of Art, Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole Fan Club, Jao Tsung-I Academy (Macao), The Jao Studies Foundation and The Jao Link

Professor Jao Tsung-i was born in Chao'an, Guangdong Province, and moved to Hong Kong in 1949. He was highly esteemed for his erudition in a wide range of humanity subjects: from prehistory, regional history, oracle bone inscriptions, bamboo and silk manuscripts, bibliographic research, the ancient anthology Songs of Chu, Dunhuang studies, history of religions, archaeology to Chinese literature. His inspirational insights have made him one of the most influential masters of Chinese studies in a contemporary context. The exhibition presents the great Professor in an omnidirectional light. Through more than 200 exhibits on display, which include snapshots of his daily life, personal letters, academic and artistic achievements, literary writings and archive collections, visitors will be able to see how a Hongkong-based scholar became a world renowned master of Chinese studies through lifelong dedication. He left valuable cultural wealth to Hong Kong, our country, and the world, symbolising the ever-flourishing Chinese culture.

Virtual Tour of "The Story of Jao Tsung-i" Exhibition
(Background music: guqin recording of the piece Saoshou wentian (Seeking an answer from heaven, in frustration) by Mr Yiu Shek-on, John.)

Exhibit Highlights

Oracle Bone Diviners of the Yin Dynasty 1959 Collection of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole, The University of Hong Kong In 1962, Professor Jao Tsung-i's publication Oracle Bone Diviners of the Yin Dynasty was awarded the Prix Stanislas Julien, which is considered as "the Nobel Prize in Sinology". This prize was established in 1872, and named after the French sinologist, Stanislas Julien (1797-1873).

Prix Stanislas Julien 1962 Collection of Chaozhou Rao Zongyi Academic Hall

Notebook of Professor Jao's Visit to Dunhuang 1980s Collection of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole, The University of Hong Kong

Five-character Couplet in Official Script 1990s Ink on paper Collection of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole, The University of Hong Kong

Lotus 2001 Ink and colour on paper Collection of Jao Tsung I Foundation

Six Continuous Scroll Lotus 2006 Colour on paper Collection of Jao Tsung I Foundation

Victoria Peak after the Rain with Seven-character Couplet in Official Script 2010 Ink and colour on paper Collection of Jao Tsung I Foundation

Commandment, Steadiness, Peace, and Wisdom 2016 Acrylics on canvas Collection of Jao Tsung I Foundation

Pokfulam in the Rain 2003 Ink and colour on paper Collection of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole, The University of Hong Kong

The Ending Verses of Diamond Sutra 2010 Ink on paper Collection of Jao Tsung I Foundation

The Pursuit of Truth, Correctness and Neutrality 2016 Ink on gold card Collection of Jao Tsung I Foundation

Papier-mâché Flong for Kowloon and Historical Literature of the Song Dynasty 1950s Collection of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole, The University of Hong Kong

Kowloon and Historical Literature of the Song Dynasty 1959 Collection of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole, The University of Hong Kong

Yumen Pass in the Mist 2005 Ink and colour on paper Collection of Jao Tsung I Foundation