In a historic first, four of the original twelve zodiac heads from Beijing’s Old Summer Palace, known as Yuanmingyuan, are currently on display in Hong Kong. The bronze sculptures – representing the Ox, Tiger, Monkey, and Pig – are believed to be part of an original set that adorned a water-clock fountain within the magnificent Yuanmingyuan, an erstwhile imperial garden constructed during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
The twelve pieces were tragically looted by Anglo-French allied forces in the infamous invasion of 1860, resulting in their dispersal across the globe. Of the original set, only seven have made their way back to China – the Ox, Monkey, Tiger, Pig, Horse, Rat, and Rabbit – while the remaining five continue to elude discovery.
Now, in a landmark exhibition titled “The Grand Gathering of the Century: Zodiac Heads from the Yuanmingyuan and Important Treasures,” four of these treasured artifacts are on display alongside dozens of other significant relics. This highly-anticipated event has been organized to commemorate the 26th anniversary of Hong Kong’s reunification with mainland China.
Running until August 31, the exhibition is housed within the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery at the City University of Hong Kong. While admission to the exhibition is free, interested individuals are required to make online reservations in advance.
According to the organizers, this exhibition is designed to provide visitors with an immersive and interactive experience that allows them to step back in time to appreciate these artistic and cultural gems. Through this unprecedented gathering of important relics, they aim to rekindle the public’s interest in Chinese cultural artifacts that have been lost overseas.
The display of the zodiac heads serves as a powerful reminder of the cultural wealth of the Qing Dynasty and the historical tragedy of the looting of the Old Summer Palace. Each artifact narrates a compelling story, reflecting not only China’s rich artistic legacy but also the nation’s tumultuous past and subsequent cultural restoration efforts.
The curators of “The Grand Gathering of the Century: Zodiac Heads from the Yuanmingyuan and Important Treasures” aspire to create an engaging environment that fosters a deeper understanding of China’s past. Through these stunning relics, the exhibition seeks to inspire an appreciation of Chinese culture, showcasing the continuous efforts made in the journey of reclaiming its heritage.
In showcasing these artifacts, the exhibition provides a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with a critical period in China’s history. It serves as an influential platform that echoes the enduring value and significance of these cultural artifacts, fostering an appreciation for the country’s rich historical legacy while shedding light on the pressing issue of cultural relics lost overseas.
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