Friends of Hong Kong Museum of Art is delighted to announce a unique tour of ‘Romancing the virtual and the physical: Multilayers of art and architecture of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan’ in Central Asia during October 12-24, 2023.
We are honoured to have Ho Puay Peng to be our accompanying professor. It will be an excellent opportunity to experience Uzbekistan & Tajikistan with extensive and comprehensive knowledge from our esteemed professor.
In the words of Professor Ho Puay Peng….
The large territories of the land-locked countries of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are located to the west of the Tianshan and Pamir mountain ranges, bordering Xinjiang province. The territories were subjected to the rule of many kingdoms and empires since the Bronze age. These civilizations left enduring marks on the societal fabrics and expressed in their art and architecture. The cultural forms of these societies had expressed in their art and architecture. The cultural forms of these societies had also influenced the surrounding countries, including China, over the millennia of contacts through the trade routes connecting the various civilizations. Many objects seen in museums in China are from the regions and influenced by Scythian, Bactrian, Soghdian, Tokharian, Persian, Greek, Kushan, Sassanian, Islamic, Shamani and Timurid cultures. Most of the sites before the Turkic States of the 10th century have disappeared and the glory of these cities can only be constructed virtually through artefacts. However, equally attractive are the Islamic cities from the Uzbek period in early 16th century that are monumental and decorative. This tour will weave the virtual representation of Persian cultures as found in museum objects and Timurid architecture seen in the ancient cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, and other smaller sites. Through the visit, the multilayer of the rich cultural tapestry of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan will be unveiled.
Professor Ho Puay Peng is currently Professor of Architecture at the Department of Architecture at the National University of Singapore, and formerly Director of the School of Architecture and University Dean of Students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He holds a Ph.D. from School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, and a MA and Dip. Arch. from Edinburgh University with First Class Honours. An architect, conservation architect, and architectural historian, Ho Puay Peng has a wide research interest and publication in Buddhist art and architecture, vernacular architecture in China, architectural history of Tang and Song dynasties, architectural history of colonial Hong Kong and architecture conservation.
Central Asia used to be the heart of the Silk Road. It has a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architecture that will leave you mesmerized. The itinerary of the tour will include visits to all major UNESCO attractions, covering the best preserved and spectacular cities of Taskhent, Dushanbe, Samarkand, Shakhrisabz, Bukhara, Penjikent, sarazm, and Khiva.
Our journey will dive into the heart and heritage of this ancient trade route, covering two of the Five Stans in Central Asia. Under the stewardship of Professor P.P. Ho, It provides an excellent opportunity of experiencing Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in an outstanding and distinguished journey that will be remembered for a long time.
The tour, together with the costings, will be sent out to members of Friends of Hong Kong Museum of Art before mid-August, 2023. Applications will be considered on first come first served basis. It will prove to be an adventure of a lifetime! The people in Central Asia awaits you. Look out for it!
Overseas Tours are open to current members only. Full tour itineraries will be sent to members by email. You are welcome to join membership at any time during the year. Please proceed to the Membership page.
Nagoya is birthplace of the first Shogun, Minamoto Yoritomo. The term ‘Shogun’ originally referred to the general who commanded the army sent to fight the tribes of northern Japan, but after the twelfth century, the term was used to designate the leader of the samurai.
Our tour will lead participants to appreciate the unique traditional & heritage aspects of Chubu region. During the 2 night-stay in Nagoya, you will visit one or two of the UNESCO heritage villages.
The second part of the tour will lead participants to experience the Historic Nakasendo Trail. It is a ‘highway’ that many Japanese officials have walked through, linking imperial capital Kyoto with Tokyo, the seat of power for the Shogun during the Edo period. (1603-1868).
Overseas Tours are open to current members only. Full tour itineraries will be sent to members by email. You are welcome to join membership at any time during the year. Please proceed to the Membership page.
Friends of Hong Kong Museum of Art
SINGAPORE
9th to 12th Feb., 2023
Yong Mun Sen Retrospective at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Updating our experience of the culture in this city of contrast and harmony
Overseas Tours are open to current members only. Full tour itineraries will be sent to members by email. You are welcome to join membership at any time during the year. Please proceed to the Membership page.