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The University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong, is honoured to present Bamboo Baskets: Chinese Origins, Japanese Innovations, a major exhibition offering an overview of the finest achievements of bamboo art in East Asia. The expansive yet meticulously curated selection prompts a reassessment of the central role played by continental prototypes, or karamono (唐物, literally ‘Tang things’ or ‘Chinese things’), in the remarkable development of Japanese basketry over the past 150 years. Supported by two visionary collectors, this exhibition marks the first time that Chinese and Japanese baskets are being presented side by side in Hong Kong.

The opening of the exhibition was held at UMAG on June 24. Officiating guests included the Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong, Ambassador Miura Jun, the collectors Mr Alfons Knauf and Dr. Simon Kwan, Collector, and UMAG Director Dr Florian Knothe.

The display of bamboo baskets encompasses more than 200 objects that illustrate a wide range of weaving techniques, tracing the evolution of early Ming and Qing dynasty vessels to their influence on Edo period artefacts and the innovative development of contemporary kogei. Focused on the transfer of knowledge and the preservation of long-practiced bamboo weaving techniques, the exhibition also explores the cultural context of the traditional tea ceremony and the related art of ikebana flower arrangement. Together, the exhibition documents the handcrafted creation of some of East Asia’s finest decorative arts and celebrates a significant form of intangible cultural heritage, still perfected by family workshops that have passed down their skills through generations.

This exhibition relies on exemplary loans from both the Naej Collection in Germany and the Muwen Tang Collection in Hong Kong, and is supported by  Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong and the HKU Museum Society.  

For more images and exhibit captions, please click here.

Details of the Exhibition
Period: June 25, 2025 (Wednesday) to October 26, 2025 (Sunday)
Opening Hours:
9:30 am–6 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
1 pm–6 pm (Sunday)
Closed on Mondays, University and Public Holidays
Venue: 1/F, T. T. Tsui Building, UMAG, HKU, 90 Bonham Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
Tel/Email: (852) 3917 5500 (General Enquiry) / [email protected]
Admission: Free admission In light of the HKU Tourist Flow Management Scheme, please enter via the ground floor of the Fung Ping Shan Building
Website: https://umag.hku.hk/exhibition/bamboo-baskets-chinese-origins-japanese-innovations/

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About UMAG
UMAG was founded in 1953 as the Fung Ping Shan Museum. It was originally established as the Fung Ping Shan Library in 1932 in honour of its benefactor. For more information on UMAG, please click here.

Media Enquiries
Tel: (852) 3917 5513 / 3917 5504, Email: [email protected]