Chinese aromatic culture has a long and storied history, with its gentle fragrances spanning thousands of years and enveloping temples, sanctuaries, and scholarly boudoirs. It is not only a medium for revering the heavens and ancestors but also embellishes the daily lives of ancient people, carrying the spiritual pursuits of literati in their self-cultivation and enlightenment.
The ancients burned wood and grass as a form of ‘flaming sacrifice’ to communicate with the heavens and earth, which is widely regarded as the origin of Chinese aromatic culture. In addition to sacrificial incense, the use of fragrances in daily life had already become widespread since the pre-Qin period. People wore sachets, bathed in scented waters, burned incense to perfume their clothes, and even constructed houses with fragrant wood in pursuit of repelling insects and nurturing the body and mind.
As the variety of aromatic materials and the production of incense evolved, the methods of burning incense became more refined. This led to the emergence of various corresponding incense burners and tools. Over a thousand years, literati and connoisseurs have been passionate about the art of fragrance. They studied the blending and appreciation of different scents, composed poetry, and played the zither amidst the subtle aromas. They even sought the state of enlightenment through fragrance.
‘Fragrance’ is not only an important role in Chinese culture but is also inseparable from the aesthetics of ancient life and artistic creation. It has been an integral part of the cultural and sensory experience, enriching the lives of those who embraced it.The Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Shanghai Museum have jointly planned an exclusive exhibition, generously sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. This exhibition is a part of both the ‘Chinese Culture Festival’ and ‘Shanghai Cultural Week’, showcasing the rich and diverse Chinese aromatic culture.
Featuring 160 sets of treasures from the collections of both museums, the items on display date from the Neolithic period to the Qing dynasty. The exhibition invites the audience on a fragrant journey that spans a thousand years, allowing them to experience the ancient practice of nurturing one’s character through the sense of smell.
The exhibition is open from June 28th to October 16th, with specific business hours subject to daily opening conditions.
