Loyalty and Righteousness: Tai Kwun Salutes Deity Kwan Kung

Description

This exhibition explores the symbolism of General Kwan Yu—better known as Kwan Kung—from different perspectives and how it is embedded in our daily lives.

Kwan Kung is the symbol of loyalty and righteousness in Chinese communities, and one of the best known Chinese historical figures throughout East Asia. Through a diverse range of installations, Salute to Kwan Kung charts the changing influence of the deity from the Three Kingdoms period (220–280) all the way to contemporary Hong Kong.

The exhibition features iconic Kwan Kung statues from all over the world, including a statue that used to guarding Tai Kwun, as well as the earliest unearthed Kwan Kung statue dating back to the Song Dynasty. Also on display is Kwan Kung’s 2.7-metres-long 40-kilograms heavy halbert, which was used to train young army recruits for the imperial military examination in the Cheung Chun Yuen study halls.

Other exhibits include the image of Kwan Kung as depicted by local, Chinese and Western artists and a video interview with famed Cantonese opera artist Law Ka Ying—who has played the role of Kwan Kung in various Cantonese operas—in which he shares taboos related to the portrayal of the deity and more.