City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), known as the Most International University in the World, has always strongly supported cultural exchange and forged unity in diversity. In collaboration with the People’s Government of Shuanglin, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Xinwo E-Commerce Pioneer Park, Huzhou Yunhe Shuanglin Ghatpot Silk Co., Ltd., and Huzhou Mushi Culture Media Co., Ltd., CityUHK is co-hosting the “Shuanglin Damask Today” exhibition, whose aim is to deepen understanding of the cultural traditions and artistic heritage embodied in Shuanglin Damask, part of our national intangible cultural heritage.

 

Attending the opening ceremony of the exhibition on 10 October were Mr Han Jian, representative of the People’s Government of Shuanglin, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, and General Manager of Huzhou Mushi Culture Media Co., Ltd.; Professor Ricardo Mak King-sang, Chairperson of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee; Mr Oscar Lau, Director of the Tin Ka Ping Foundation; Professor Li Wen Jung, Vice-President (Talent and International Strategy) of CityUHK; Professor Ching May-bo, Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and Head of the Department of Chinese and History; and Ms Candy Chouk, Director of the Cultural Exchange Oasis (CXO).

In her welcome speech, Ms Chouk stated, “To help promote the transmission of intangible cultural heritage, in 2021, CityUHK launched a project named ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage Artist-in-Residence’. This year, we are honoured to co-host a series of events titled ‘Silk Charm Inheritance: The Elegant Beauty of Shuanglin Damask’, with the support of the People’s Government of Shuanglin, Xinwo E-Commerce Pioneer Park, Huzhou Yunhe Shuanglin Ghatpot Silk Co., Ltd., and Huzhou Mushi Culture Media Co., Ltd.”

 

Ms Shen Yuting, the representative from the People’s Government of Shuanglin and General Manager of Xinwo E-Commerce Pioneer Park, delivered a speech saying, “Being able to join hands with all parties to host the ‘Shuanglin Damask Today’ exhibition is not only a tribute to the traditional craft of Shuanglin Damask but also a reflection of our cultural responsibility.”

Shuanglin is located at the intersection of Taihu Culture, Ancient Canal Culture and Wuyue Culture. It has a long history and profound cultural heritage and is known as the "Hometown of Silk and Fiber." Damask is made of pure mulberry silk and is the collective name for Aya (Ling) and Raw Silk (Juan). Shuanglin damask was named "Flower of the Silk Weaving Craftsmanship" and was added to the national intangible cultural heritage list in 2008.

Shuanglin damask has been used in exquisite handicrafts with strict production processes and a large variety. While preserving tradition, Shuanglin has actively promoted the production of silk kites and launched various cultural and creative products in recent years, giving this traditional craft new vitality and charm.

 

 

There will be an array of exciting activities held as part of “Silk Charm Inheritance: The Elegant Beauty of Shuanglin Damask”, including the “Shuanglin Damask Today” exhibition, lectures, and workshops. The exhibition will be held from 10 to 20 October in the Blue Zone, 4/F, Yeung Kin Man Academic Building of CityUHK. Additionally, two “CAO's (CAO Xueqin) Silk Kite” workshops will be held on 6 and 8 November. All are welcome to register online and participate, or call 3442 2941 for inquiries.

CXO is committed to promoting the objective of the “Intangible Cultural Heritage” programme to promote and demonstrate the importance of intangible cultural heritage, emphasising the transmission of skills from generation to generation and the connection between traditional and contemporary culture. CityUHK aims for the participants to experience the charm of ingenious intangible cultural heritage through organising various exhibitions, lectures, and workshops, and to provide cultural identity and cohesiveness for communities and groups.

For more details about the “Silk Charm Inheritance: The Elegant Beauty of Shuanglin Damask” series of activities, please visit: http://www.pd4n48r.xyz/cxo/programmes/special-events/silk-charm-inheritance-elegant-beauty-shuanglin-damask