With Chinese New Year taking place on 23 January, the Museum of Liverpool is the perfect place to learn more about the history of the Chinese community in the city, and enjoy some special events, which include a Lion Dance Performance and Chinese craft workshops. (See events listings below).
The Global City gallery explores Liverpool’s links with the rest of the world. Its special exhibition East Meets West: The story of Shanghai and Liverpool, looks into the city’s relationship with China and Shanghai, and is watched over by its resident Ceremonial Chinese Dragon.
Donated to the National Museums Liverpool by trustee Brian Wong, the dragon was commissioned especially by Brian in Shanghai for the East Meets West exhibition, along with a Chinese lion on display in the History Detectives gallery.
Brian said: “Dragons symbolise the spirit and aspirations of Chinese people around the world, so 2012 being the Year of the Dragon is really special to us. I’m pleased that we have been able to represent this in the Museum of Liverpool, as the Chinese Community has such a long and important relationship with the city.”
At 10 metres long, the dragon has been designed to hang across the Global City gallery above people’s heads.
Brian continues: “For the inauguration of the Museum of Liverpool, I searched all over China for a dragon befitting of this magnificent setting. In the end, it was commissioned and specially made by our Shanghai sister city region and shipped here. It is displayed in the Global City gallery to bring peace, prosperity and a blessing to all people who visit the Museum of Liverpool from across the globe.”
Arriving in Liverpool after a month-long boat trip from Shanghai, the dragon was hung in position following an Eye Opening Ceremony led by Brian. This ceremonial performance cleanses the evil spirit away and awakens the power of the dragon by cleaning the eyes of the dragon with water and Zhu Za, a mixture of natural compounds of mercury and sulphur.
Janet Dugdale, Director of the Museum of Liverpool said: “We had been talking to Brian for more than three years about the East Meets West special exhibition in the Global City gallery. Brian has been of enormous help in putting us in touch with key people, contributing his own life story interview, and commissioning a dragon for display in the Museum of Liverpool. We are extremely grateful for his support.”
Chinese New Year events
Performance: Lion Dance
Saturday 21 January 1 and 2pm
Liverpool’s Hung Gar Kung Fu Club perform a lion dance to celebrate the New Year.
Suitable for all. Free drop-in event, no need to book.
Chinese Dragon painting workshop
Saturday 21 January 1, 2 and 3pm
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon by painting your own. Learn about the myths behind Chinese dragon art in this fun workshop.
Suitable for all. Free drop-in event, no need to book.
Dragons and lanterns craft workshop
Saturday 21 January 2 – 4pm
Join our education team for some Year of the Dragon inspired craft.
Suitable for all. Free drop-in event, no need to book.
Performance: traditional Chinese dance
Sunday 22 January 12:30pm
Dancer Fenfen Huang performs exquisite traditional Chinese dance.
Suitable for all. Free drop-in event, no need to book.
Workshop: traditional Chinese dance
Sunday 22 January 1, 2, and 3pm
Join dancer Fenfen Huang as she explores some traditional forms of Chinese dance.
Suitable for all. This event is free, but a ticket is required. Tickets can be collected from the Information Desk on the day.
For more information about Chinese New Year events taking place in all National Museums Liverpool venues visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/events/chinese_new_year_events.aspx
