HONG KONG - An exhibition of purple clay art kicked off in Hong Kong on Thursday, inviting audiences to witness the exquisite craftsmanship on display in celebration of this ancient Chinese artform.

Titled Master Junjie·Purple Clay Teapots Illuminate Hong Kong, the exhibition showcases the masterpieces of Junjie Lyu, an arts and crafts master from Yixing city, the birthplace of purple clay, in East China’s Jiangsu province.

The opening ceremony at the Poly Gallery Hong Kong also marked the launch of The Complete Works of Chinese Arts and Crafts Masters·Junjie Lyu Volume.

This book comprehensively presents Lyu’s purple clay creations over 40 years, aiming to reveal the master’s artistic concepts, craftsmanship, and contributions to innovative design and craft advancements in purple clay teapots making.

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During the ceremony, Lyu and his father, Yaochen Lyu, who is also a master of arts and crafts, donated their work Reunion Teapot, specially made for the exhibition, to the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong.

Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, vice-president of the committee, accepted the donation.

Junjie Lyu said in his speech that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's cultural and artistic endeavors are rich and diverse, showcasing the unique advantages of the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures.

He said that the exhibition brings together his representative works and that holding it in Hong Kong is a dream come true.

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He added that that the exhibition will also serve as a bridge for cultural exchange between the Chinese mainland and the SAR, highlighting the charm of Yixing city’s purple clay craftsmanship and telling good stories of China with great cultural confidence.

Coorganized by the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Ltd, Poly Culture Group Corporation Ltd and the Yixing Municipal Government, the exhibition is open to the public until Monday at the Poly Gallery Hong Kong in Admiralty.