Chin Hok Hong and Shum Lai Kuen of Artline Chinese Arts Mounting Studio

Have you ever wondered how the fragile shuan paper, commonly called “rice paper” used in Chinese ink painting and calligraphy can be mounted on silk so perfectly?

In the past, the Society has organized numerous demonstrations by ink painters who have magically created beautiful landscapes with the strokes of their brush. With this visit to Artline Chinese Arts Mounting Studio, we will follow the trail of such artworks to learn the mechanics needed to preserve their beauty and condition.

A mounting specialist is often a trained conservator who restores to its original form artworks that have been damaged with spots and holes from age or mold, insects and humidity.

The mounting of Chinese artworks is a highly specialized skill using techniques passed down from a master through generations in a family or taught to devoted apprentices. Chin Hok Hong and Shum Lai Kuen is the husband-and-wife team that operates Artline Chinese Arts Mounting Studio. Since their immigration to Hong Kong from Suzhou many years ago, they have mounted innumerous artworks in various forms and conditions. Their clients include auction houses, galleries, artists and collectors. Shum has also taught the skills of mounting at both HKU SPACE and the Extramural Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Chin and Shum will show us how they use their tools and materials and share with us the challenges they face in their profession. Along with advice on how to store and protect artworks, we may also be given the opportunity to try our hands on mounting.