Huizhou Vernacular Architecture
Thematic Gallery (5),
Hong Kong Heritage Museum 13 April 2005 - 11 July 2005
A large number of well preserved Ming and Qing dynasty villages can still be found in the southern Anhui Province, among which the renowned villages of Xidi and Hongcun were listed as the world heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2000.
vClustering along the riverside against mountainous background, the Huizhou houses of the southern Anhui Province were very appropriately described as "deep in the verdant and misty mountains, emerged the whitewashed houses" in a Qing poem. With its beautiful landscape, the region is not unlike the idyllic enclave described in Tao Yuanming's famous tale about the Peach Blossom Spring. It is a territory of pastoral beauty, dotted by simple dwellings which are distinguished by their unique white gable walls and grey tiles, decorated with stunning carvings in wood, stone and bricks. Fine examples of these impressive decorations are now on display at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, and can be viewed without having to go through the hardships of traveling. A leisurely stroll among the exhibits acquaints the viewers to a taste of this idyllic enclave, with its traditions and cultural values intact. Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Anhui Provincial Museum, the exhibition features more than 120 sets of exquisite wood, brick and stone carvings from Huizhou, together with collections from the local designer Miss Kai Yin Lo, all of which are works of fine and delicate craftsmanship. A main hall and a study room of typical Huizhou dwellings are also reconstructed to illustrate the peculiar features and cultures of the region. Exhibit Highlights
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