About Us

HKPM – PolyU Joint Chinese Textile Centre (JCTC)

In collaboration with the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the Joint Chinese Textile Centre (JCTC), draws on the strength of the Chris Hall Collection at the HKPM, as well as PolyU’s resources as a leading research and educational institution in the studies of Chinese textiles and culture.

JCTC engages in the research, education, publication, and creative application of Chinese historical textiles, with the aim of advancing and transforming the understanding of Chinese textiles and their artistic, cultural, historical, and technological significance in Hong Kong and around the globe.

 The primary focus of the Centre’s initial three years will be the Chinese imperial textiles from the Chris Hall Collection at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Imperial textiles hold particular significance as they embody a unique blend of tangible and intangible historical value. They provide insights into various aspects of Chinese society, including its advanced textile technologies, fiber materials, color, design and history. Understanding these aspects will instill a renewed sense of cultural confidence and inspire a new generation of young technicians and designers.

The Chris Hall Collection at the HKPM is one of the most comprehensive and important collections of ancient Chinese textiles. The collection comprises 3,000 works from the Warring States period (475–221 BCE) to the 21st century, covering the major categories of Chinese textile art. The collection has been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications by museums in HK, Chinese Mainland, and beyond.

 

Mission and Vision

Promoting Chinese Silk Art and Fostering Global Cultural Exchange

Core Positioning:
- Using silk as a medium to promote traditional Chinese culture
- Hong Kong as a bridge connecting East and West
- Comprehensive integration of research and education into a holistic knowledge system

Development Plan

1. Flagship Project
AI-assisted, “Chinese Silk” Digital Resource System.
2. Event
Silk culture exhibitions and public lectures, jointly organized by PolyU and HKPM, presented by JCTC.
3. Research
Interdisciplinary research project cultivation; Study of artifacts based on the The Chris Hall Collection at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
4. Education
Deliver Chinese textile related courses, and organize silk technology training workshops.
5. Promotion
Through official website, annual report, international conferences, social media platforms, etc.  

Projects and Research

JCTC plans to launch a flagship project that integrates digital resources and innovative applications, with Chinese textiles at its core, to explore the innovative applications of artificial intelligence technology. Meanwhile, JCTC is funding researchers from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University to conduct 22 ongoing projects (2026–2027), with participants from the School of Fashion and Textiles, the School of Design, and the Department of Chinese History and Culture. The projects focus on four major research areas: Silk Digital Archive Database, Image Processing, Design Application, and Knowledge System. These research outcomes will also be integrated into the flagship project, contributing to the long-term promotion of Chinese textile art and culture.