Exhibition Overview

The Macao Museum of Art (MAM), under the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, in collaboration with the Palace Museum, presents its annual cultural highlight: the special thematic exhibition “Virtue Compared to Jade – Masterpieces of Qing Dynasty Jade from the Palace Museum Collection”. This exhibition showcases 134 exquisite pieces of Qing Dynasty imperial jade from the Palace Museum collection. It explores Qing jade culture through six thematic sections based on ritual, religion, and daily life: "Mandate of Heaven," "Buddhist Images and Sanskrit Sounds," "Elegant Companions of the Qing Court," "Leisurely Appreciation," "Jade Adorning the Body," and "Savoring the Essence." The display includes various jade artifacts such as imperial seals, court beads, Guanyin statues, ritual objects, Ruyi scepters, brush rests, hairpins, cosmetic boxes, cups, and plates.

Highlights include the first-class treasure “Celadon Jade 'Seal of the Supreme Emperor' with Intertwined Dragon Knob”, the only seal created for the Qianlong Emperor after his abdication, prized for its historical significance and artistic value. The “White Jade Guanyin” is a masterpiece of jade carving, featuring pure, warm white jade, an elegant form, and exquisitely detailed craftsmanship. The “Celadon Jade Bowl with Inscription of the Qianlong Emperor's Poem Preface”, a thin-walled, translucent bowl inscribed by Emperor Qianlong, exemplifies the refinement of imperial jade collectibles.

Series Activities

I. Educational Activities

Jade Thematic Lectures

• To deepen public appreciation, MAM invites experts from the Palace Museum to deliver four lectures.
• Attendees who complete three lectures will receive a certificate and a souvenir from the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau.
• Schedule:
  • 09/12/2012 (Sun) 15:00-17:30: Emperor Qianlong and Qing Dynasty Jade
  • 19/01/2013 (Sat) 15:00-17:30: Introduction to Ancient Chinese Jade Working Techniques
  • 20/01/2013 (Sun) 15:00-17:30: Application of Ancient Jade Working Techniques in Authentication
  • 10/03/2013 (Sun) 15:00-17:30: Archaic-style Jade from the Qianlong Reign in the Palace Museum Collection
• Venue: MAM 1st Floor Auditorium
• Registration: Submit forms at the MAM reception, fax to 83950480, or register online at http://www.mam.gov.mo/main.asp. Limited seats.

The Beauty of Jade Carving – Soap Zodiac Sculpture Workshop

• Participants learn about jade culture through a guided tour, then carve zodiac designs into soap.
• For ages 8+.
• Dates: 06/01, 20/01, 03/02, 17/02/2013 (15:00-16:30)
• Venue: MAM 4th Floor
• Registration: 19-26/12/2012 by calling 87919814.

Exhibition Guided Tours – “Virtue Compared to Jade” Special Tours

• Period: 16/12/2012 – 10/03/2013
• Public Tours: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays at 15:00. Meet at the 4th-floor elevator exit.
• Group Bookings: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:30 (during MAM opening hours).

II. Promotional Activities

“Virtue Compared to Jade” Large-scale Seal Outdoor Installation A巡回展示 at various locations:

• MAM Outdoor: 10-26/12/2012
• Tap Seac Square: 26/12/2012-13/01/2013
• Largo do Senado: 13/01-18/02/2013
• Border Gate Square: 18/02-10/03/2013

Exhibition Souvenir Giveaway

• “Jade Seal Magnet” souvenirs distributed at installation sites.
• Giveaway Schedule:
  • MAM Outdoor: 14/12/2012 (Fri) 18:00-20:00, 15/12/2012 (Sat) 16:00-18:00
  • Tap Seac Square: 28/12/2012 (Fri) 18:00-20:00, 29/12/2012 (Sat) 16:00-18:00
  • Largo do Senado: 08/02/2013 (Fri) 18:00-20:00, 09/02/2013 (Sat) 16:00-18:00
  • Border Gate Square: 01/03/2013 (Fri) 18:00-20:00, 02/03/2013 (Sat) 16:00-18:00

Prize Game

• Co-organized with Macao Daily News to engage the public with fun Q&As about the exhibition.
• Periods: 10-23/01/2013, 24/01-06/02/2013, 07-20/02/2013.
• Entry: Submit forms at collection boxes, by mail, or via designated webpage/mobile app.

Music Appreciation Concert

• Co-organized with the Macao Chinese Orchestra, transforming the gallery into a concert hall.
• Date: 03/02/2013, 16:00-17:00
• Venue: MAM 4th Floor. First-come, first-served.

III. MAM Friends Activities

MAM Friends Annual Gathering – “Making My Jade Seal” Workshop

• For members aged 16+. Includes guided tour, seal carving on imitation jade, and tea gathering.
• Dates: 16/12, 23/12, 30/12/2012 (14:30-17:00)
• Venue: MAM 4th Floor
• Registration: 01-30/12/2012 by calling 87919814. Limited seats.

Art Playground – Jade Motif Rubbing

• Family activity for members with children aged 3+ to create animal-shaped paper reliefs with jade motifs.
• Date: 03/03/2013, 15:00-16:00
• Venue: MAM 4th Floor
• Registration: Details announced in February via MAM Friends newsletter, website, or SMS.

IV. Exhibition Closing Day Activities

• A special day of free activities including a Chinese music concert, a jade lecture, guided tours, and the prize game award ceremony.
• Date: 10/03/2013, 15:00-18:00
• Venue: MAM 4th Floor