An immersive exhibition at Singapore’s Asian Civilisations Museum explores the guqin’s cultural legacy.
The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) in Singapore is set to unveil a new exhibition, Elegant Sounds: Music, Craft, and the Literati, beginning 23 May 2025. This marks the first major revamp of the Scholars Gallery since 2015. The exhibition delves into the profound significance of the qin 琴, later known as the guqin 古琴 (Chinese zither), in Chinese culture, where it has been played for over two millennia.
Visitors will encounter a diverse array of artefacts spanning from the Han dynasty (206 BC–AD 220) to contemporary times. These include ancient instruments, bronzes, paintings, ceramics, rare books, and furniture, all highlighting the artistry of the guqin. The exhibition also features a dedicated space within the gallery designed to foster new and meaningful connections between art and audiences. This area serves as a venue for performance and reflection, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the contemplative tranquillity of literati culture.
A notable highlight is the tactile digital interactive featuring an actual guqin, providing an engaging experience for attendees. Additionally, the exhibition showcases a series of recordings by renowned guqin master Dr. Kee Chee Koon, offering insights into the instrument’s rich musical heritage. Complementing this is a video presentation by master craftsman Ning Qunhui, who elucidates the meticulous process behind crafting the unique voice of each guqin.
Through these elements, Elegant Sounds invites visitors to reflect on the enduring role of music in fostering mindfulness and artistic appreciation. The exhibition underscores the guqin’s place not only as a musical instrument but also as a symbol of scholarly and artistic ideals in Chinese literati culture.
Elegant Sounds: Music, Craft, and the Literati
Fri, 23 May 2025
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Daily)
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Fridays)
(GMT +08:00)
Location:
Asian Civilisations Museum
Level 2, Scholars Gallery
1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
For more information visit here.
Source: Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM)
