Over 30 gold craft treasures starred in Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group’s (Chow Tai Fook Jewellery) exclusive exhibition at the Hong Kong Palace Museum earlier this month. The exhibition was part of the launch ceremony marking the collaboration between the industry-leading jeweler and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, aimed at promoting Chinese traditional gold craftsmanship and culture through a heritage education program.

Set against the iconic Pantone color “Chow Tai Fook Timeless Red” — a full-bodied shade rooted in the “red of promise”, reminiscent of traditional Chinese festivities and increasingly emblematic of contemporary China-chic flair — the exhibits dazzled spectators with their shimmering aureate glow.

Shining through all the glitz and glamor was the acclaimed centerpiece — the award-winning, pure-gold, three-layer Gods Birthday Celebration on Pure Gold Dragon Boat, renowned for its meticulous openwork design, and the masterful execution of time-honored Chinese gold-working techniques.

Above all, its alluring aesthetic beauty is inspired by the Ivory Carved Dragon Boat, which was presented to the imperial court during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and is now part of the most celebrated collection at the Palace Museum in Beijing.

The exhibition is a tribute to the history that underpins the recently launched Chinese Gold Craftsmanship Heritage Education Program (the program), a collaborative effort between Chow Tai Fook Jewellery and the Hong Kong Palace Museum. This initiative aims to preserve and promote Chinese cultural treasures for future generations, through which China’s rich cultural heritage becomes more accessible, empowering the cultivation of a deeper appreciation for the nation’s historical artifacts and traditional arts among young generations.

The awe-inspiring display of collective masterpieces, which marry exquisite craftsmanship, historical relics, and cultural innovation, was regarded as a potent epilogue to the launch ceremony of the program on Oct 3.

Rendered by the pioneering partnership between Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the five-year program is driven by their shared commitment to preserving and promoting China’s rich cultural heritage, particularly the artistry of Chinese goldsmithing.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Warner Cheuk Wing-hing, deputy chief secretary for administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, applauded the joint initiative as a distinct demonstration of how all sectors of society can collaborate to enhance and solidify Hong Kong’s vantage position as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange, a pivotal vision outlined in the nation’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25).

Cheuk said enhancing cultural confidence and national identity among the public is the driving force behind the HKSAR government’s effort to promote, preserve and popularize traditional Chinese culture.

Cheuk added that Chinese gold craftsmanship, with its long history and high level of artistry, is a valuable focal point for cultural education, which not only increases public interest in Chinese history, culture, and art, but also serves as a powerful instrument for encouraging youngsters to be custodians of Chinese culture, thereby enriching the nation’s cultural industry.

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Sonia Cheng Chi-man, vice-chairman of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, hailed the partnership with the Hong Kong Palace Museum as a significant milestone that is particularly significant at the dawn of the brand’s celebration of its 95th anniversary.

“Through the program, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group aims to equip the next generation with skills in jewelry-making and design, fostering creativity and pride in Chinese artistry. Our collaborative efforts signify a meaningful investment in preserving artifacts that are deeply rooted in our rich heritage. It reflects our commitment to showcasing China’s beauty to the world through our jewelry, fueling a newfound appreciation of Chinese traditions,” she said.

Louis Ng Chi-wa, director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, shared his enthusiasm for the education program, saying that the initiative is expected to significantly enhance public awareness of the immense treasures of Chinese culture and elevate appreciation for Chinese gold craftsmanship.

He highlighted the synergy between the museum, which houses one of the world’s most important Chinese gold artifact collections, and Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, Hong Kong’s leading legacy jeweler.

May Lau Ming-yin, director of social impact at Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, pointed out that the collaboration not only aligns with the group’s other major initiatives aimed at fostering public understanding and appreciation of ancient Chinese craftsmanship — exemplified by the Chow Tai Fook Master Studio in Shunde, Guangdong — but also occupies a niche in promoting cultural heritage preservation through educational initiatives.

It complements the group’s ongoing educational endeavors, including a collaborative research project with the Chinese University of Hong Kong Art Museum and several other esteemed institutions focused on ancient Chinese goldsmithing techniques.

“Beyond raising awareness of China’s gold-working legacy, we strive to cultivate students’ appreciation for traditional Chinese culture, ensuring that this heritage craft endures for future generations,” Lau said. “Chow Tai Fook Jewellery’s commitment to enhancing public understanding of ancient craftsmen runs parallel to its mission of showcasing the beauty of Chinese culture and traditions to the world through jewelry.”

The program, expected to benefit at least 50,000 individuals during the five-year course, will feature a series of educational activities and resources focusing on Chinese goldsmithing, gold artifact design, and cultural exchange initiatives. 

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This includes a diverse series of master classes, workshops, study tours, and learning materials online, consisting of informative sessions that delve into the development of Chinese gold craftsmanship, close-up demonstrations of metal materials’ properties and goldsmithing techniques, guided practices in creating innovative gold pieces, dedicated tours to gold manufacturing industrial parks on the Chinese mainland, and engaging online experiential games to facilitate effective learning through play.