Thursday, July 4, 2013

The Best Fine Arts in Hong Kong

By Georgina Straits


The easiest way to experience the enchantment of the Far East is through fine humanities. Hong Kong arts are strongly affected by both the Chinese and British. The local history is obvious while visiting the historic and art collections as well as attending classical and operatic demonstrations.

Hong Kong Museum of Art

Due to Hong Kong's close geographic proximity, China heavily influenced fine arts in Hong Kong. The Chinese Antiquities Collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art boasts over 4,000 pieces of art ranging in age from the Neolithic period to the 20th Century. The rich cultural history of China is represented in the ornamental and ritual items made of a spread of materials like bamboo, ivory, rhinoceros horn, bronze, jade, lacquer, and glass. The Chinese Fine Arts Collection features modern paintings representing different inventive styles and strategies popular in the 20th Century and depicts the evolution in the fashions of Chinese artists. But maybe the best exhibit in the Hong Kong Museum of Art is the collection of historical images. The collection inspires a feeling of nostalgia for the glamorous wild wonder of Hong Kong's deltas and harbors before industrialization.

Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware

Maybe one of the most unique ways of learning about fine arts in HK is through a trip to the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware. Tea drinking in Hong Kong was a habit adopted from the Chinese however the Brit left their mark during their 150 year occupation. In the late 1800s, the 1st teahouses started to appear in Hong Kong. Initially, folks purchased tea only to work to guests however through time tea has become a frequent beverage. Visitors to the Flagstaff House Museum to are attracted towards the famous collection of Yixing teapots. Hand sculpted from clay cropped from the city of Yixing in China, the teapots became favored by students starting in the 1500s. The museum also offers an interactive experience with tea gatherings for a very unique demonstration of Hong Kong arts.

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

The British in HK were influential in the city's music scene. The UK brought with them Western classical music, which can often be enjoyed today at several places. A show by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is a have to see for visitors. Not only will the orchestra play the significant classics but they also incorporate modern artist. Listening to the mix of Western and Eastern music provides a special opportunity to appreciate the exceptional history of HK.

Sunbeam Theatre and Ko Shan Theatre Operas

The Chinese influence in HK is also proof in opera performances. Opera originally debuted in HK in the Cantonese language. Cantonese operas are still held in the Sunbeam Theatre and Ko Shan Theatre. The opera is a coalition of normal martial arts, acting, acrobatics, and music. Attending an an hour Cantonese Opera Appreciation Class at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum is extremely recommended for visitors to find out more about this unique art form. Experiencing the fine humanities in person is necessary for a comprehensive appreciation of the Hong Kong's historical evolution.




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