Cultural Heritage Exhibition | 饒宗頤文化館 Jao Tsung-I Academy

Programs and Exhibitions > Permanent Exhibition > Cultural Heritage – The Story of Professor Jao Tsung-i, Master of Chinese Studies

Introduction

Professor Jao Tsung-i was born in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, based in Hong Kong, and is well-known internationally. Throughout his whole life, he had advocated “amalgamation of academics and art” and made outstanding achievements while doing so. His remarkable life has inspired new generations. Welcome to Jao Tsung-I Academy and unfold a rich cultural experience, explore the spiritual outlook and wisdom of this great Master of Chinese Studies.

Date: Tuesday to Sunday and Public Holiday

(Closed on Monday)
Time: 10am – 6pm
Venue: Hall 1, The Gallery, Low Zone, Jao Tsung-I Academy

Free Admission

Exhibit Introduction

“The 21st century is an era of renaissance for Chinese culture in the world arena.”

Professor Jao Tsung-i
A contemporary master of Chinese studies

Exhibit Location

4. 如魚得水

5. 如蓮華在水

Exhibit Highlight

* Visitors may scan QR code on exhibit caption in the exhibition hall for details.

Professor Jao’s remarkable life has inspired new generations.
Let us continue to travel through the beautiful garden of the Academy, and explore the spiritual outlook and wisdom of this great master of Chinese Studies.

The Lotus Pond (Light and Shadow)

Low Zone

The pond is named “Light and Shadow” inspired by Song dynasty scholar Zhu Xi’s poem “Viewing Books and Feelings”.

“The half-acre pond is like an opened mirror,
Reflecting the sky and clouds.
Why is the pond so clear?
From the source flows fresh water.”

The message is that people can be like fresh water, endlessly seeking new knowledge.

Professor Jao’s love for painting lotuses shows the noble man’s sentiment of “the lotus grows in mud, yet is never contaminated by it”, a phrase mentioned in Song dynasty scholar Zhou Dunyi’s iconic essay “On the Love of Lotus”. Professor Jao also painted his own unique lotus, forming his distinctive “Jao Lotus” style. The word “lotus” in Chinese also has the meaning of “to shoulder responsibilities”, reflecting his commitment to the promotion of Chinese culture and the “cultural heritage” mission of the Academy. For these reasons, lotuses are planted in the pond.

Did you know?
During the revitalisation process, the specialist team used a huge mirror to find the best reflecting position and only then built the lotus pond so that it could reflect the scenery surrounding it.

Bronze Statue of Professor Jao Tsung-i

The bronze statue stands 1.8 meters tall, slightly taller than life size. It stands calmly in the courtyard, demonstrating Professor Jao’s elegant, peaceful, and profound scholarly style.

About the Sculptor
Ji Feng, courtesy name Xueya, was born in Anhui Province, China in 1973. Ji studied under famous artists Han Meilin and Feng Qiyong. In 1999, he established an art studio in Beijing. He has created around a hundred statues of historical and cultural figures. His sculptures are imbued with the spirit of traditional Chinese art.

Low Zone

Commemorated Ficus for
Jao Tsung-i and Charles Kao

Professor Jao Tsung-i and Professor Charles Kao had a long family friendship. These two distinguished scholars, masters of the arts and sciences respectively, have made a tremendous contribution to the world. In the Spring of 2015, they visited the Academy together with their families to officiate at the Tree Planting Ceremony of a Ficus rumphii seedling.

The tree is an extremely vigorous evergreen with drooping leaves. In addition to commemorating these two academic giants of their generation, the flourishing tree symbolizes the endless vitality of Jao Tsung-I Academy and our commitment to pass Chinese culture on to our future generations.

Low Zone

Acknowledgement:

This exhibition has been made possible by the friendly support of various organisations and experts. Members of Jao Tsung-I Academy would like to express our deep gratitude to them.