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Decoding Gangcai: Appreciating a Century of Painted Porcelain in Hong Kong

Date:	2026/9/13 (Sunday)
Time:	2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Venue:	Hong Kong Central Library (Lecture Theatre, G/F)
Speaker:	Ms. YIM Wai-wai Mrs. HO LIU Yee-ling, Betty
Organiser:	Hong Kong Public Libraries
Remarks:	Talk conducted in Cantonese. Free admission. First come, first served.
Enquiry:	Mon to Fri: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm; 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm, except public holidays
Enquiry Telephone Number:	2921 0205

The technique of making painted porcelain by applying overglaze decoration to white porcelain before firing is known as jiacai in the industry. During the 20th century, jiacai was a booming industry in Hong Kong. With a history spanning nearly a century, painted porcelain produced in Hong Kong, also known as Gangcai, is mainly made for export. Not only has Gangcai been influenced by painted porcelain making techniques from Guangdong, but it also represents a fusion of Hong Kong’s local culture with traditional Chinese culture and the cultures of various export markets. Drawing on oral history records, the speaker will share the development, distinct characteristics and technical highlights of Gangcai.

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Other Talks / Workshops /Local History and Culture /Activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series /Talk Series on Hong Kong Memory (2026/27)