Buddhist Pilgrimage: Treasures from the Donation of The Tsui Art Foundation

Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Organised by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum

This exhibition showcases 70 treasures of Buddhist art from the collection donated to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum by The Tsui Art Foundation. It includes many exquisite thangka paintings dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries, as well as gilt-bronze Buddhist statues and other rare artefacts such as Buddhist scriptures and ritual objects. These items all illustrate the distinctive refined artistic style of Tibetan Buddhism and reflect their specific historical contexts.

A unique artistic form of Tibetan Buddhism, thangkas are paintings that typically depict major Buddhist deities or respected religious patriarchs encompassed by their divine entourage, and illustrate their life stories and surroundings. The thangkas on display offer viewers the opportunity to learn more about this unique and beautiful artform from the perspectives of history, culture and art. The gilt-bronze Buddhist statues on display demonstrate the makers’ exquisite craftsmanship and ingenuity in metal craft, and also reflect the mutual influence of different cultures over various periods.

Supplementing the exhibition is a multimedia display giving an account of the pilgrimage journey of the great Buddhist master of the Tang dynasty, Xuanzang, and exploring his contribution to cultural exchanges between China and various foreign countries. The display also explores the impact of Buddhism on Chinese language and culture, giving visitors a comprehensive learning experience.