Divine Steeds: The World of Horses in Imperial Chinese Painting and Calligraphy

Held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, this exhibition explores the cultural and spiritual significance of the horse in Chinese history through approximately 50 precious works from the Palace Museum's collection.
- When
1 Apr 2026 - 30 Jun 2026 10:00 - 18:00
1 Apr 2026 - 30 Jun 2026 10:00 - 20:00
- Location
Hong Kong Palace Museum, Gallery 4
Kowloon West Kowloon Yau Tsim Mong
8 Museum Drive, West Kowloon Cultural District, Kowloon
- Li Gonglin · Painter
- Zhao Mengfu · Painter
- Ren Renfa · Painter
- Lang Shining (Giuseppe Castiglione) · Painter
- Xu Beihong · Painter
Overview
"Divine Steeds: The World of Horses in Imperial Chinese Painting and Calligraphy" invites visitors to delve into the significant role of the horse in Chinese visual culture. The exhibition features a curated selection of approximately 50 calligraphic and painting works from the Palace Museum, including roughly 20 items classified as national first-grade artifacts.
Highlights
- Masterful Collections: The showcase presents masterpieces by renowned artists throughout Chinese history, such as Li Gonglin, Zhao Mengfu, Ren Renfa, Giuseppe Castiglione (Lang Shining), and Xu Beihong.
- Four Thematic Units: The exhibition is thoughtfully structured into four sections: "Travel and Wandering," "Herding," "Military Achievement," and "Divine Steeds," each highlighting a different facet of the horse's symbolism in history, warfare, and cultural identity.
- Rare Access: Visitors have the unique opportunity to view state-level treasures, gaining a deep appreciation for the profound heritage of Chinese artistic expression.
Featured Artists
The exhibition highlights the works of legendary masters who excelled in depicting horses:
- Li Gonglin
- Zhao Mengfu
- Ren Renfa
- Lang Shining (Giuseppe Castiglione)
- Xu Beihong
Venue & Access
The exhibition is hosted in Gallery 4 of the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Visitors can reach the venue via the MTR Kowloon Station or Austin Station, followed by a walk through the Art Park in the West Kowloon Cultural District.










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