The way of the sword: Hong Kong exhibition explores China and Italy’s warrior traditions
- An exhibition at Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts presents more than 50 swords and pole arms
- The items date back as far as 1800BC, and 40 of them have never before been put on public display
Curated by Hing Chao and Roberto Gotti, and presented in collaboration with the Institute of Chinese Martial Studies, the exhibition offers a first-of-its-kind look at a private collection of more than 50 swords and pole arms (a close-quarter combat weapon with the main fighting part placed on the end of a long shaft, typically made of wood). The items date back as far as 1800BC, and 40 of them have never before been put on public display.
With an emphasis on immersion and historical context, the exhibition also features more than 20 martial arts manuscripts and books, as well as locally commissioned paintings and interactive displays that seek to breathe life into the history and practice of swordsmanship.
Two years in the making, “Way of the Sword” situates developments in China and Italy’s martial culture within the ebb and flow of their respective political, intellectual and cultural histories, drawing links between the two.
“One of the problems with Chinese martial arts today is most people think about it in a very contemporary sense – mainly influenced by popular culture, film and television, and novels,” says Chao. “Very few people pay attention to its actual historical development and historical forms.”
Weaving through the exhibition’s Chinese side, three predominant strands in swordsmanship are brought forth, he says.