HONG KONG: EMPRESS DOWAGER CIXI EXHIBITION OPENS

(15 Oct 1996) Cantonese/Nat

An exhibition on the Empress Dowager Cixi of China's Qing Dynasty has opened in Hong Kong.

The empress went from being a low-ranking concubine to the power behind the throne, becoming one of the most powerful women in Chinese history.

With only nine months to go before Britain returns Hong Kong to China, the Chinese government seems keen to teach its soon-to-be citizens a bit of Chinese history.

More than 90 items once belonging to China's Empress Dowager Cixi went on display in Hong Kong on Tuesday.

The exhibits have been brought to the territory courtesy of the Palace Museum of Beijing.

In a place where there is much Western influence, the Chinese government seems keen to bring a bit of Chinese cultural heritage to the people of Hong Kong.

The exhibition gives visitors a close and personal look at the life of the empress, including her pursuit of health and beauty.

But aside from portraying a leading Chinese historical figure, the exhibition is also an example of how mainland China is subtly trying to imbue Hong Kongers with a more nationalistic consciousness.

Chinese officials preside over such cultural exchanges, and for a fairly modest event, local media coverage is heavy.

The curator of the Beijing museum believes it's important for Chinese people to come together.

SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin)
"Hong Kong will return to China in 1997 and residents in Hong Kong need to better their knowledge in Chinese history. Our director thought we should introduce the characteristics of the royal families so that people in Hong Kong would be able to have a better understanding of traditional Chinese culture."
SUPER CAPTION: Pei Huan-Lu, Director of the Palace Museum of China

As the de factor ruler of the country, Empress Cixi ruled the Qing Dynasty for almost half a century both in public and behind the scenes, after her five year-old son ascended to the throne.

Cixi did little to defend China when the country was attacked by foreign powers during the Qing Dynasty, which historians say weakened the empire.

She also spent a lot of money building the royal palace, which further damaged China's economy.

The dynasty was eventually brought to an end by the Communists in 19-49.

SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin)
"During her rule, she signed a number of unequal treaties with several foreign forces. She ceded our land with large sums of reparations, causing great damage to China's economy at the time".
SUPER CAPTION: Pei Huan-Lu, Director of the Palace Museum of China

But not everything Empress Cixi did was negative.

She did make some contributions to the country, one of them bieng her influence on style.

The empress suffered from severe hair loss, and so designed a number of elaborate pieces of headgear.

The designs eventually became fashionable among ladies in Chinese high society.

Binding the feet also became popular during the Qing Dynasty.

A woman was seen as wealthy if her feet were bound because it meant she didn't have to work in the fields.

The centre of women's lips were also painted red during the Qing Dynasty, as a symbol of elegance.

Whatever the opinions about the fashions of the time, the exhibition will no doubt serve to increase the understanding of Chinese history in Hong Kong before the territory is handed back to China next year.

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