The exhibition Golden Techniques II: Art of the Chinese Goldsmiths co-organized by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Art Museum and the Chow Tai Fook Master Studio showcases over 60 ancient gold wares selected from the Art Museum of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and private collections. Several sets of experimental restoration pieces and early gold jewellery provided by the Chow Tai Fook Master Studio will also be displayed with some scientific test results from the Conservation Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong. Through the perspectives of art history, archaeology, scientific testing, and experimental restoration, the exhibition invites you to take a closer look at the ancient Chinese gold craftsmanship spanning 3,500 years.

This exhibition sheds light on three major techniques: gold and silver inlay, damascene, and the production and use of gold wire, alongside hammer-chiseling, casting, and precision gold soldering. Gold is rare and resistant to oxidation, making it suitable for attaching to other pieces of metalware as decoration. The two crafts of precious metal inlay and damascene developed because of this. The former flourished from the Eastern Zhou to the Qin and Han dynasties, the ornateness of its ornamentation is a major characteristic of late Bronze Age Chinese wares, and was continuously copied in the facsimile antique wares of later generations. Later, gold and silver damascene was widely distributed throughout the Eurasian continent - from Japan in the east to Spain in the west - reflecting cross-cultural exchange of precious metal craftsmanship in the premodern world. Gold is also easily malleable, making it suitable for producing lengths of wire. Ancient gold wire production evolved through three main lines of techniques, and through this it developed other specialized applications, such as the production of filigree and braiding of gold chains. In short, the development of these crafts was a multi-layered historical process connected to both art and culture.

Since 2014, the Art Museum of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Chow Tai Fook Master Studio, and several other institutions have launched a research project on ancient Chinese gold craftsmanship, which involves multidisciplinary and comprehensive investigation. Since 2018, the research has entered its second phase, focusing on the abovementioned major golden techniques. This exhibition is a showcase of the results of this phase. Besides, a book on the in-depth research will be launched in the hope of sharing the precious knowledge. To get a good grasp of the golden techniques, visitors can learn more at the interactive zone and watch a series of videos.  

The research project and exhibition series of “Ancient Chinese Gold Techniques” are fully sponsored by Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co. Ltd., promoting and preserving the legacy of ancient art techniques and cultures.