Department of History and Au Shue Hung Memorial Library, Hong Kong Baptist University

Event: [Exhibition] As the Sun Sets: Qing Men and Women Speak on Aging 夕陽西下：清代兩性的暮年自述 

Organizers: Department of History and Au Shue Hung Memorial Library, Hong Kong Baptist University

Venue: Au Shue Hung Memorial Library, Hong Kong Baptist University

Dates: The physical exhibition is held from December 8, 2022 to January 9, 2023.  However, the virtual exhibition is open for public viewing immediately, and will remain archived for a long period of time so that everyone interested will have access to it.  

To view the exhibition virtually, please click: https://hkbu.libguides.com/exhibitions/asthesunsets

To view the exhibition brochure, please visit: https://histweb.hkbu.edu.hk/activities/list/  and click the button on the right of the exhibition title.

Brief introduction:   

Selecting a variety of works authored by both genders, this exhibition displays sample narratives that allow viewers to catch a glimpse of the joy, challenges, and frustration shared by elders in the past. While numerous texts demonstrate the elderly adults’ complaints about their physical decline, psychological uneasiness, and mental discomfort, positive writings that reflect the authors’ pleasure in and gratitude for getting old are also available in large quantity. Over three hundred keywords representing happy, sad, or the mixed feelings and complicated moods of the Qing elderly are highlighted in the exhibition.Besides, pictures visualizing old age and featuring past techniques to reassured aged persons are also displayed. The on-site book exhibition invites viewers to brainstorm situating the elderly in history and the significance of “age” as a category of historical analysis.