Category: Overseas

Aichi Prefecture (愛知縣), known internationally as the venue for 2005 Aichi World Expo, is located in the center of Japan, and historically a corridor between the east, west, north and south. Nagoya (名古屋), the capital of Aichi, is becoming an increasingly frequented city which has much to offer visitors. It is surrounded by the rich natural sceneries of the sea and green mountains, as well as many heritage sites and cultural treasures.

Aichi is the base for many important industries ranging from traditional textiles and ceramics, to aerospace and automobiles. It is also home to headquarter of Toyota Motors. Culturally, it hosts the Aichi Art Triennale with exhibitions of contemporary art, along with theatre, music and dance performances from all over the world, together with training workshops.

The dichotomy of the historical and traditional establishments versus modern and technological developments make Aichi Prefecture one of the most fascinating areas in Japan. According to a recent Times Magazine's Global Adviser, "If Kyoto is Japan's most alluring cultural fact and Tokyo its most vibrant and modern expression, then Nagoya, the country's third largest city and a port, would be Japan seen through a rain-spattered window."

HKUMS proudly organizes this spring 2013 tour to experience the best of the slightly late bloomer Nagoya and its vicinities in Aichi Prefecture, which is packed with a rich past history, present glory, and natural beauty.

The trip is now full. We are grateful to members for their enthusiastic participation which gives our committee a greater incentive to plan for more exciting trips in the future. Thank you!

Overview:
Since 2011, we began our year with an outdoor visit to see the beauty of nature with Professor Chan Lungsang. As 2013 is our special silver anniversary, instead of a day trip, we shall take a weekend trip to our neighbouring city of Shenzhen.

Many think of Shenzhen as a modern bustling city, but a closer examination of her rocks reveals an ancient land. The trip will visit picturesque localities on the eastern side of Mirs Bay. Stops include Xia Sha (下沙), a mile-long beach on the Dapeng Peninsula, and Xiqong (西沖等地) at the southernmost tip of the Peninsula. If time permits, a fossil collection stop will be arranged. The evening’s accommodation will be in a hotel in Nanao. (Day 1 – Lunch and dinner will be provided.)

The next day, we will visit the recently established Dapeng Geopark (大鵬地貭公園) and the Paleontological Museum. If weather permits, a boat cruise will be made in the afternoon to view the coastal landscape of Dapeng Geopark. Their management will kindly make special arrangement for us to enter the park and visit some of its sights. We expect to return to Hong Kong by 6 pm, under normal traffic conditions! (Day 2 – Breakfast and lunch will be provided.)

Resource Person:
Professor Chan Lung-sang (陳龍生教授) is an expert in Hong Kong geology. He received his bachelor degree from Chinese University of Hong Kong and his PhD from University of California at Berkeley. He taught for 10 years in the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and 18 years in the Science Faculty of the University of Hong Kong. His leadership in teaching and learning was recognized when he was awarded the University of Hong Kong’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 2009. A true believer of experiential learning, he has led many field trips around Hong Kong for the public and education sectors. He was invited to guest host the TV documentary series Vanishing Glacier in 2008 and Water of Life recently.

Overview:
Our morning begins with a visit to the Macao Art Museum's special exhibition, 'Noble Virtuosity: Imperial Jades of the Qing Dynasty' with Professor Jenny So. This exhibition is the major highlight of the annual MAM series of exhibitions, showcasing 134 items of Qing imperial jade from the Palace Museum.

After the guided tour, we will lunch at The Eight, a 2 star Michelin restaurant with delectable Chinese dishes.

In the afternoon, Dr. Francisco Pinheiro of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau will take us on a walk through some of the city's historical buildings, such as São Domingos, San Kia Vui Kun Temple (near St Domingos Market) and the Cathedral. He will explain the historical function and design of the squares opposite these churches. We will take the 5:15 p.m. ferry back to Hong Kong.

Resource Persons
Professor Jenny So received her Ph.D from Harvard University in 1982. She is an art historian specializing in ancient Chinese bronzes and jades. Before returning to Hong Kong, she was Senior Curator of Chinese Art at the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D. C. She joined the Department of Fine Arts at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2001, lecturing on the history of Chinese jades, Chinese bronzes and Methodology in Art-historical studies, as well as supervising M. Phil. and Ph.D students. Professor So is also past Director of the Institute of Chinese Studies.

Dr. Francisco Pinheiro obtained his Ph.D at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan in 2006. He works as a technical advisor at Macao’s Municipal and Civic Bureau (IACM). He is also Adjunct Professor at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) and part-time lecturer at the Tourism Formation School (IFT). He worked in several historical rehabilitation projects and research in Macao, China and in Portugal. Some of these sites were included by UNESCO as part of Macau World Heritage. His current research interest is in comparative history analysis: Roman-Han Civilization, Portuguese-Chinese, and East-West Culture.

The official history of Laos is conventionally traced to the establishment of the kingdom of Lan Xang by Fa Ngum in 1353, although human settlement in the region dates back many centuries BC. The most famous evidence of the region's prehistory is the site of the huge stone mortuary jars found on the north-central Xieng Khouang Plateau, in what is now known as the Plain of Jars. Little, however, is known about the society, which created the jars dated from the first century BC.

The last king of Lan Xang was Surigna Vongsa. He ascended the throne in 1637 and his reign was regarded as the golden age in Laotian history. After his death in 1694, the country was split into the three separate kingdoms of Champasak, Wieng Chan, now called Vientiane, and Luang Prabang. Laos became a French protectorate in 1893 when these kingdoms united to form the country known as Laos today. It briefly gained independence in 1945 after Japanese occupation, but returned to French rule until it was granted autonomy in 1949. Laos became independent in 1953 with a constitutional monarchy under Sisavang Vong. Shortly afterward, a long civil war ended the monarchy and the Communist Pathet Lao came to power in 1975.

Laos is a single-party socialist republic. The Lao People's Democratic Republic forms a land bridge between its neighbours, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar. Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion for approximately 60 percent of the population. In rural areas, communities share everything and live together; the Lao word for 'mine' and 'yours'is the same.

This trip is designed to cover the cultural and historic highlights of Laos from south to north. Discover inimitable charm and serendipity as we travel to Champasak, Vientiane and Luang Prabang. By the end of the tour, as the tranquil pace of life in Laos takes hold, we would surely understand the meaning of bo phan yan – the pragmatic philosophical maxim of the Lao people to conciliate the immense complexities of life, loosely translated as – "don't worry, be happy".

The trip is now full. We are grateful to members for their enthusiastic participation which gives our committee a greater incentive to plan for more exciting trips in the future. Thank you!

Our fall trip to Malaysia takes us to the island of Penang, to visit historic George Town, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2008. This gem city has colonial architecture, Chinese shop houses, Christian churches, Muslim mosques, and Indian and Buddhist temples over one hundred years old. In fact, in a street aptly named Harmony Street, we see Kapitan Keling Mosque, St. George's Church, the Goddess of Mercy Temple, and Sri Maha-Mariamman Temple. Dr. Wong Yee Tuan and Mr. Tan Yeow Wooi will take us down memory lane and explain how these four different religious houses of worship came to be on the same street in the past and co-exist until today.

Another intriguing street is Armenian Street. How did this country way out in the Caucasus region come to have her name on this island in Asia? Our hotel, E&O, continues this theme of historic George Town. What is the full name of E&O and why was it named thus? A look at the architecture will show European and Moorish influences. Dr. Wong will enlighten us on the background of this hotel and her historical anecdotes.

We will be visiting some of the older Chinese clan houses and Dr. Wong will lecture us on the history of the Chinese arrival on the island and how they settled down and made their homes here. Terms like Baba, Nyonya, and Peranakan, etc will be explained. Mr. Tan, an experienced architect and conservationist of historical buildings, will introduce and explain the different architectural designs and styles of the clan houses and shop houses.

Culinary art is also an important part of the Penang culture. Our two resource persons will highlight the various cultural influences on the special taste of Penang cuisine. Both experts will share with us interesting stories while we savour the delicious fare that has made Penang justly famous!

This trip takes us on a journey to discover this beautiful golden land called Myanmar (Burma). We will learn and open our own eyes to its diversity, cultures, values and religion – Buddhism. Politics is still a sensitive subject but with the recent release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest and new elections, there is hope that the military controlled civil government is taking a step in the right direction. The golden land awakes from its long slumber.

This comprehensive trip covers all the major sights in Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake, culminating with the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival where the four venerated Buddha statues are moved by the Royal Barge led by a procession of leg rowing long boats from one village to the next.

Dr. Wong How Man (explorer/writer/photographer), Founder and President of the China Exploration and Research Society will specially welcome us to CERS' innovative project to bring back and rear Burmese Cats in the beautiful setting of the Intha Heritage House (The Cat Gallery)

The trip is now full. We are grateful to members for their enthusiastic participation which gives our committee a greater incentive to plan for more exciting trips in the future. Thank you!

Giuseppe Verdi could not have said it better; "You may have the universe if I may have Italy." The Ancient Greeks called Italy, Enotria to describe its renown for producing extraordinary wines.

As part of our wine tour series, the Society is pleased to present "A Vigneto (Vineyard) with a View", a gastronomic wine tour of Tuscany and Piedmont with internationally renowned food and wine connoisseur, wine judge and educator, Wilson Kwok.

Tuscany, known for its fabulously rolling hills and charming medieval towns, has been involved in wine production since the time of the ancient Etruscans who viewed the vine as a sacred plant. Winemaking evolved over the centuries as the Romans, Christian monks in the Middle Ages and the noble classes during the Renaissance introduced new practices. Many Tuscan wines have had a wide following outside Italy since the 16th Century; Chianti was popular in the English court from the 17th Century onwards.

Surrounded on three sides by the Alps, Piedmont is a land of spectacular mountains and romantic medieval castles. Home to the famous white truffles, Piedmont is often described as the 'Burgundy of Italy' as gourmet travelers flock from all over the world to enjoy the region's outstanding cuisine and boutique wines. Winemaking is very much a part of daily life as vineyards are usually small and family owned. Therefore, wine production in general tends to be microscopic.

Together with Wilson Kwok, we will be visiting producers of top Italian wines, Brunello and Chianti in Tuscany and Barbaresco and Barolo in Piedmont. Our group will be joining in the excitement of Piedmont's white truffle festival by participating in a live truffle hunt, visiting the famous Alba white truffle market, as well as partaking in a special white truffle dinner.

What is shokunin?

The hands of the craftsman moving magically are the result of long years of honing intricate techniques. Even the rhythmic motion of fingers grasping tools has an inspiring beauty. Artisans with such skills, as well as possessing a fundamental knowledge in selecting the best raw materials, along with an unerring eye for a beautiful finish and an enduring belief in honest work are the genuine, irreplaceable treasures of Japan. They are the true artisans – shokunin (職人).

Since ancient times they are deemed to be possessed with legendary expertise. There is a saying that they are "embraced by the hands of God". The traditional shokunin's skills, intertwined with their in-depth influence from Mother Nature create a "congenial harmonious relationship" (親和關係) between the two. Man and nature co-mingle and sympathize with each other to create the beauty in the craftsmanship. In this world, the word shokuninkatagi (職人氣質) conveys the essence of their spirit. It means the seeking of one's own skill with unwavering perseverance, no allowance for carelessness, and no regard for any financial rewards. Thus, the revered shokunins are honoured as national treasures.

Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital of Japan and home to many of these unique artisans, is one the last places in Japan where this age-old tradition is still in practice. It is the ideal place for us to capture the spiritual and artistic elements of the shokunin. The works of these unfailing craftsmen can be found not only in the most well known of crafts such as kimono making, gold leaf guilding, doll making, sake production and kaiseki cuisine, but also in areas such as rice paper, bamboo, lacquer, belts, musical instruments, printing, fans, umbrellas, seals and weaving. The list continues to include even the most unexpected crafts one can think of. By learning about the artistry, the way of living and the philosophy of the Japanese craftsmen, we may be able to get a glimpse of the true Japan.

We are privileged to have T.K. Tan leading this trip. Tan is the Associate Head of the Centre of Language Studies, University of Hong Kong's School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE). He is an aficionado of Japan and Japanese studies. He is fluent in the Japanese language and is conversant with Japanese culture and traditions and has led many study groups to Japan over the years. He is a dedicated scholar who is devoted to promoting and furthering Japanese customs, its heritage and ancient tradition.

Our visit is timed perfectly with the flowering of the cherry blossom, which is richly symbolic and often utilized in Japanese art. The Sakura Festival offers a spectacular backdrop to a city of unique historic beauty and to revisit this, as many do, is testimony to its true standing.

We are also honoured that Elaine Koo, a member of the HKU Museum Society, and Past President of the Ikebana International HK Chapter, has agreed to be our host for the famous annual Saga-Goryu Flower Festival on our visit there.

The trip is now full. We are grateful to members for their enthusiastic participation which gives our committee a greater incentive to plan for more exciting trips in the future. Thank you!

An exciting trip to Europe has been organized in spring to coincide with The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF), which will be held in Maastricht from 16th to 25th March 2012. TEFAF made its debut in 1988, presenting primarily old masters' works. Apart from these masterpieces, more than 30,000 works of art, including porcelain, sculptures, jewellery, photographs, glass, drawings, prints and classical antiquities will be exhibited at this year's Fair. Participants will attend the exclusive champagne Gala Preview to mark TEFAF's 25th anniversary on 15th March 2012.

Occupying over 31,000 sq.m. of space at the Maastricht Exhibition & Congress Centre, TEFAF is often regarded as a museum showcasing a myriad of exquisite museumquality items covering the past 7,000 years. Robin Markbreiter, Director and Executive Editor of Arts of Asia Publications Ltd., will introduce us to prominent gallery owners and exhibitors when he guides us through the premises.

The highlights of Berlin, selected by Professor Puay-peng Ho, Director of School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, include the Neues Museum, Berlinische Galerie, Reichstag, Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe, Humboldt-Box, Berlinische Galerie and Hamburger Bahnhof. But the ultimate highlight of the Berlin tour is the rare privilege to view the treasures and wall paintings kept in the vault of the Dahlem Museum fur Asiatische Kunst, which German explorers took from Central Asian expeditions conducted in the early 20th century. Our program also gives us the opportunity to attend a concert by the Berliner Philharmoniker.

Enroute, attractions include UNESCO World Heritage sites, historical landmarks, modern architecture, famous museums exhibiting artists and paintings of world renown, not to mention the opportunity to savour the fine culinary traditions of legendary chefs in restaurants located in Luxembourg, Germany and The Netherlands.

The trip is now full. We are grateful to members for their enthusiastic participation which gives our committee a greater incentive to plan for more exciting trips in the future. Thank you!

“The theme for the 2011-12 edition of the Shenzhen Biennale is rooted in the very conception of the event, which first appeared in 2005. Uniquely, this biennial exhibition features not only architecture but urbanism, which is rarely addressed in such event. The combination is immensely appropriate, as these two human activities are inseparable even if they are often treated as separate disciplines. Throughout history, they have been totally interdependent in the transformation and growth of human settlements. Hence, the theme: Architecture creates cities. Cities create architecture.” – Terrence Riley

Terrence Riley is the Chief Curator of the 2011 Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture, and an internationally recognized leader in the design and development of cultural facilities and programs. He has been involved with the renovation and expansion of many prominent museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (New York). In this Biennale, he and his international curatorial team bring together over 100 architects, curators and other creative individuals to present exhibits/dialogues about the relationship between architecture and urbanism on a global and contemporary scale, in the context of sustainability and vitality.

The HKU Museum Society and the Friends of the HK Art Museum jointly present the tour of this Biannale. We will be guided by HK architect Joan Leung, a graduate with a M. Arch degree from MIT, and a former faculty of HKU Architecture Department until she founded Lotus Architects Ltd in 1987 with her late husband, Professor Eric Lye, Dean and Head of HKU Architecture Department. Since then, she has done many notable projects, including the Clubhouse at the Arch, which won the Grand Award of Quality Building Award for 2008. She is a member of the West Kowloon Cultural District Advisory Committee, and the Heritage and Conservation Committee, and publishes papers on architecture education, interior architecture and green building.

The day's itinerary will include visit to the Biennale, lunch and a stop to an interior furnishings outlet before heading home.