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The Art Museum of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) will present the special exhibition “In Loving Memory of Prof. Lee Hon-ching” from tomorrow (3 July) to 12 January 2027, with free admission. This exhibition presents significant donations from the late Professor Lee Hon-ching (1938–2025), Honorary Fellow of CUHK, in tribute to his lifelong dedication to arts and culture at the University, and to his enduring wish that Chinese art be preserved, studied, and shared with the wider community. It features 60 masterpieces selected from the donated works. Highlights include Herding Buffalo by Li Keran, the great master of Chinese ink painting; Morning Scene by the Jialing River by Song Wenzhi, a leading figure of the New Jinling School; and Landscape by Liu Guosong, regarded as the father of modern ink painting.

The opening ceremony was held today (2 July), and was officiated by distinguished guests including Professor Anthony Chan Tak-cheung, CUHK’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Alumni/Community Engagement and Institutional Advancement); Mr Lau Siu-chuen, Mrs Eleanor Lee Lau, Dr Chien Lee, Chairman of the Bei Shan Tang Foundation, and Dr Irene Lee, Chairman, Hysan Development Company Limited, family of Professor Lee Hon-ching; Professor Stephen Wong Heung-sang, Head of United College of CUHK; Professor Leung Yuen-sang, Emeritus Professor of Department of History and Honorary Fellow, CUHK; Professor Fung Kwok-pui, College Honorary Fellow, United College, CUHK; Professor Leung Ping-chung, Director of Centre for Clinical Trials on Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, CUHK; Professor Peter Lam Yip-keung, Honorary Fellow, Institute of Chinese Studies, CUHK; Professor Josh Yiu Chun-chong, Director of the CUHK Art Museum; and Dr Raymond Tang Man-leung, Deputy Director of the CUHK Art Museum, among others.

At the event, Professor Anthony Chan Tak-cheung said: “For us, Professor Lee was both a mentor and good friend who contributed to the development of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. His support for the Art Museum is particularly invaluable. In 2013, he generously donated over a hundred pieces of calligraphy and paintings by renowned artists to the Museum, greatly enriching its collection and providing valuable resources for research and teaching. For CUHK, what Professor Lee has left behind is not only a collection of precious works, but also a spirit: commitment to culture, dedication to education, and care for the future generations. This spirit is something we must continue to cherish and carry forward. The selected works we see today embody Professor Lee’s passion for Chinese art and his selfless support for CUHK.”

Professor Lee was deeply engaged in arts and shared a longstanding bond with CUHK. Over the years, through the Hop Wai Arts and Cultural Development Fund, he organised numerous art exhibitions, lectures and workshops for staff and students, supporting United College, Chung Chi College, and Wu Yee Sun College in advancing the Hop Wai Art and Culture Programme and fostering artistic exchange on and beyond campus. He also held a special affinity with the Art Museum and, in 2013, generously donated more than 160 works of modern Chinese calligraphy and painting, strengthening the museum’s collection of modern Chinese art.  

The exhibition is divided into four thematic sections – The Concept of Ink and Colour, The Power of Line, The Use of Space, and Reminders of Chinese Arts – which reflect Professor Lee’s artistic and scholarly journey, as well as his support for CUHK and the Art Museum. The 60 selected pieces are on display. Highlighted exhibits include: Landscape (to be exhibited later)  by Liu Guosong (1932–), Pastoral Song by Cao Xiaoqin (1948–), Wild Ferry Without People by Xu Ning (1936–), Autumn Scene by Zhu Xiuli (1938–), Withered Lotus and Kingfisher by Liu En (dates unknown), Morning Scene by the Jialing River by Song Wenzhi (1919–1999), Bird and Rock by Wu Jingshan (1943–2025), Boating along the Red Cliff by Fu Ershi (1936–2017), Summer Pond by Wu Hao (1930–2017), and Bird and Bamboo by Huang Leisheng (1928–2011).

To complement this special exhibition, the CUHK Art Museum has published How to Read: Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy Gifted by Prof. Lee Hon-ching. Written by the exhibition curator, Dr Raymond Tang, the book elaborates on the featured artworks from multiple perspectives, including historical context, creative intent, and artistic techniques, while providing interpretations of each piece. It not only enriches visitors’ museum experience but also, in keeping with Professor Lee’s vision of promoting Chinese art, serves as a valuable learning resource for teachers and students. The publication is available for purchase at the CUHK Art Museum bookshop and online shop.  

Exhibition details

In Loving Memory of Prof. Lee Hon-ching