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The University Museum and Art Gallery (UMAG) of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is pleased to present an exhibition of early glass vessels that display technological and stylistic influences from countries along the Silk Road. Objects have been selected from a recent donation to UMAG along with additional loan items, which are either of Western Asian or Chinese origin. Though the technique of blowing glass was first developed by the Phoenicians in the Roman Empire in the first century BCE, the design outline of many shapes relates to Syro-Palestinian forms of the first century CE, and to Islamic Persian models found in both ceramic and metalware of the sixth century CE. All of these examples show an eastward dissemination of glass-making techniques and decorative styles.

The international transfer of manufacturing practices, object types and design features make this particular collection of glassware a fascinating subject of study, as the knowledge transfer and trade along the Silk Road since the first millennium CE complicates the artefact’s origins and cultural influences. Interestingly, this fine and fragile artform has been treasured for centuries and excavated objects from tomb sites often include both imported and Chinese items.

For more images and captions of the exhibits, please click here.

Details of the Exhibition
Period: September 7, 2022 (Wednesday) to December 11, 2022 (Sunday)
Opening Hours:
9:30 am–6:00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday); 1:00 pm–6:00 pm (Sunday)
Closed on Mondays, University and Public Holidays
Venue:
Study Gallery, G/F Fung Ping Shan Building, UMAG, HKU, 90 Bonham Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
Tel/Email: (852) 2241 5500 (General Enquiry) / museum@hku.hk
Admission: Free
Website: https://umag.hku.hk/exhibition/blown-and-tooled/

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About University Museum and Art Gallery of the University of Hong Kong (UMAG)
UMAG was founded in 1953 as the Fung Ping Shan Museum. It was originally established as the Fung Ping Shan Library in 1932 in honour of its benefactor. For more information on UMAG, please click here.

About UMAG_STArts
As a university museum, public education is at the heart of UMAG’s core programming. Launched in 2020, UMAG_STArts is a new initiative that explores the symbiotic relationship between science, technology, and the arts through the interdisciplinary studies of art history, conservation, and novel forms of technology. Learn with UMAG is one of the initiative's first projects, featuring programmes of educational activities, digital learning resources, and exhibitions at our newly refurbished study gallery.

Learn with UMAG is one of the initiative's first projects, featuring programmes of educational activities, digital learning resources, and exhibitions at our newly refurbished study gallery. Starting with the theme of painting, four programmes will be conducted. Each programme will feature an art-related theme—a technique, medium, material, or genre—aiming to offer a more interactive and dynamic museum learning experience that is dissimilar from the traditional mode of art exhibition.