Qing Dynasty treasures to be displayed in Hong Kong

Qing Dynasty treasures from Beijing's Palace Museum are unveiled for the media at the Hong Kong Museum of History on June 20. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

An exhibition featuring precious national cultural relics from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) will be held at the Hong Kong Museum of History from July 2 to Oct 9.

The exhibition, titled Longevity and Virtues: Birthday Celebrations of the Qing Emperors and Empress Dowagers, will be held in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

It will showcase more than 200 sets of precious exhibits from the Palace Museum in Beijing, with three of the treasures unveiled for the media on June 20.

One of the treasures, a painting scroll titled Birthday Celebration of Empress Dowager Chongqing, was presented as a gift from Emperor Qianlong to his mother at her 60th birthday.

The second treasure, the Dhara?i Sutra copied by Prince Hongli, was also presented to Emperor Yongzheng to celebrate his 60th birthday. Emperor Qianlong prepared the gift while he was still a prince.

The third treasure was a set of bronze bells with a surface casting a dragon and cloud motifs.

The exhibition will be held by the Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department, along with Beijing's Palace Museum, and sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.