Interdisciplinary research initiative ‘Print and Preservation’: embracing the present, connecting with the past, and envisioning the future
Presented by Lingnan’s Department of Digital Arts and Creative Industries (DACI) and sponsored by the Chamber of Young Snow Distinguished Visiting Scholars Programme, ‘Print and Preservation: Chinese Books Beyond Technology’ was curated by the Chamber of Young Snow Art Exhibition Hall in collaboration with the Centre for Film and Creative Industries and the Master of Arts in Curating and Art History programme.
A series of affiliated events including a symposium, public lectures, experiential workshops, collectors' sharing session and a showcase were held from 26 March to 5 April on Lingnan campus and Lingnan@WestKowloon at M+. Lingnan University's wide-ranging programmes aim to engage the community and audiences at all levels, and expand the accessibility of culture. This project was intended to increase awareness of traditional Chinese art and culture, as well as the technology and history of Chinese books.
A showcase at ‘Print and Preservation: Chinese Books Beyond Technology’.
Inspired by a rare Ming book entitled Daming Renxiao Huanghou Quanshanshu, the project showed the evolution of Chinese bookmaking from woodblock to digital printing, and attracted scholars and practitioners from all over the world.
In the symposium "Ming Court Publishing and Cultural Transmission”, five scholars, including Dr Ma Xueliang, Associate Research Librarian of the National Library of China and Visiting Scholar of Chamber of Young Snow Distinguished Visiting Scholars Programme 2023/24, discussed the refinement of Ming imperial publications.
(Starting from fourth on the left) Moderators of symposium Prof Wang Yuanfei, Associate Professor of the Department of Chinese, and Prof Vincent Leung Sueh-han, Head and Associate Professor of the Department of History, Lingnan University with presenters Prof Tam Ka Chai, Associate Professor, Department of History, Hong Kong Baptist University, Dr Ma Xueliang, Associate Research Librarian, National Library of China, and Visiting Scholar, Chamber of Young Snow Distinguished Visiting Scholars Programme 2023/24, Prof Chen Fong-fong, Research Assistant Professor and MA in Curating and Art History Associate Programme Director, Lingnan University, Dr Tseng Chi Kang, Assistant Curator, Department of Painting, Calligraphy, Rare Books and Historical Documents, National Palace Museum, Prof Wan Chui Ki, Maggie, Head of Graduate Division of Fine Arts and Associate Professor, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Dr Stephen Li, owner of the Chamber of Young Snow.
The “Traditional Chinese Book Workshop - Printing and Binding” and “Digital Seal Printing Workshop” showed traditional book printing and binding methods, and the adaptation, reinterpretation, and application of handmade bookmaking techniques in contemporary printing technologies.
Traditional Chinese Book Workshop - Printing and Binding
Traditional Chinese Book Workshop - Printing and Binding
Traditional Chinese Book Workshop - Printing and Binding
Traditional Chinese Book Workshop - Printing and Binding
Digital Seal Printing Workshop
Digital Seal Printing Workshop
Dr Stephen Li, owner of the Chamber of Young Snow talks about the collection of Chinese artworks.
‘Print and Preservation: Chinese Books Beyond Technology’ is an outcome of the Chamber of Young Snow Distinguished Visiting Scholars Programme. It conveys DACI’s expression of blended traditional and contemporary art and scientific innovation, and encourages students to “embrace the present, connect with the past, and envision the future”.
Prof Lau Chi-pang, Associate Vice-President (Academic Affairs and External Relations) and Professor of the Department of History of Lingnan University (left) presents a souvenir to Dr Stephen Li (right).