The School of Chinese Medicine (SCM) at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) recently received a collection of lacquer antiques from the Dragon Culture Charity Fund Limited (the Charity Fund). This is the second time since 2016 that the Charity Fund has generously donated valuable items to the University. In this connection, the Museum of Chinese Medicine has staged a special exhibition themed “Lacquer and Traditional Chinese Medicine” at the HKBU Dr. and Mrs. Hung Hin Shiu Museum of Chinese Medicine (the Museum of Chinese Medicine) featuring four sets of exhibits dated back to the mid-Qing Dynasty to the 19th century, including a pair of Fuzhou lacquered Lokapala sculptures, a carved lacquer box and a lacquer tea serving tray from Japan, as well as a carved lacquer box from Beijing. The exhibition demonstrates the close connection between lacquerware and traditional Chinese medicine.

In recognition of the generous support of the Charity Fund, a donation ceremony was held on 3 July 2024. Officiating at the ceremony were Mr. Victor Choi Wang Kuing, Founder of the Charity Fund; and Professor Lyu Aiping, Vice-President (Research and Development) cum Dean of Graduate School and Acting Dean of School of Chinese Medicine.

Guests attending the event included Dr. Lisa Chung Lai Seung, an international expert in artifact restoration and authentication; as well as HKBU and SCM representatives, including Professor Li Min, Executive Associate Dean of Chinese Medicine; Professor Zhang Hongjie, Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) of Chinese Medicine; Ms. Jamie Lee, Head of SCM Secretariat; Professor Zhao Zhongzhen, Honorary Consultant of the Museum of Chinese Medicine Committee; and Mrs. Lily Chan, Director of University Advancement and Secretary-General of the HKBU Foundation.

In his welcoming address, Professor Lyu Aiping said that SCM has been dedicated to cultivating a new generation of specialists and researchers in Chinese medicine. They engage in profound and innovative translational research, provide medical services that meet international standards, ensure the health of the public, and simultaneously promote the rapid development of Chinese medicine. The Museum of Chinese Medicine is particularly important in promoting the development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong. It serves as a bridge between SCM and the community, allowing the public and people from around the world to learn about Chinese medicine, and it plays a crucial role in promoting the popularisation of Chinese medicine knowledge.

Mr. Victor Choi expressed that his mission in collecting artifacts is to find a good home for them. In view of the longstanding culture of lacquer and its close connection with traditional Chinese medicine, he believed that the Museum of Chinese Medicine at HKBU is the most suitable home for the collection.

To get a glimpse of the artifacts, members of the public are welcome to visit the exhibition. Details are as follows: