Thursday September 2, 2010

Nirvana unveils plan to build gallery of Chinese calligraphy

By YIP YOKE TENG
teng@thestar.com.my
Photo by CHUA KOK HWA

CHINESE calligraphy lures with the form, force and fluidity of the writing that not only absorbs one into the content and emotion of the writer, but also the vast Chinese culture and history.

Through centuries, poets, monks and scholars had penned numerous outstanding calligraphy of which many were also engraved on stones and ornaments so that they could be admired for generations.

The works reflect the artistic and literary achievements of China’s many dynasties, browsing through them while understanding the development of Chinese calligraphy is truly an intriguing journey.

However, it is a tedious journey, too, as these artifacts are scattered all over China.

Leaping forward: Kong (third from left) presenting a mock cheque of Nirvana’s contribution to the federation’s new building project to Pheng. Looking on are (from left) University Tunku Abdul Rahman Professor Dr Lim Chooi Kwa, Malaysia Chinese Cultural Society president Dai Xiao Hua, Cheng, Li Jiping, NV Multi chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow and United Chinese School Teachers’ Association of Malaysia chairman Ong Chiow Chuen.

As such, NV Multi Corporation Berhad, the company that has in many aspects pushed the boundaries of bereavement service, is building a monument gallery of Chinese calligraphy to share the beauty of these time-honoured works.

The outdoor gallery, complete with landscaping, was unveiled by NV Multi Corporation Berhad group managing director Datuk Kong Hon Kong alongside China Embassy in Malaysia’s culture office director Li Jiping, Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Hua Zhong) president Tan Sri Pheng Yin Huah and Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia president Tan Sri William Cheng on Saturday at the Nirvana Memorial Garden in Semenyih.

Also present at the function were presidents of Chinese art, culture and literature societies in Malaysia who were involved in the extensive research for the project.

Kong said the idea was first mooted in a meeting with the group’s cultural consultants three years ago.

“The idea fascinated me; Nirvana was willing to take up the challenge if it was given the opportunity to build an exquisite garden filled with monuments inscribed with masterpieces of poets, scholars and great men in the Chinese history. The project is a first in Southeast Asia and will have a strong and lingering impact on the local art and culture scene,” he said.

He added that the group of experts and laureates had gone to great lengths conducting research at the actual sites of these artefacts; including the monument gardens in Xian in Shaanxi province and Kaifeng in Henan province, in addition to meeting every month for the project.

He said the monument garden had been expanded from 8.1ha to over 16ha, and would comprise more than 200 monuments upon completion two years later. The project is expected to cost tens of millions of ringgit.

The monument garden will be open to all for free.

It will also be the venue for cultural activities such as inscription demonstration and calligraphy competition among others, he added.

“Even though the cost is immense, we think the project is worth every effort as monument garden is a heritage of culture, calligraphy, history and values especially filial piety.

“It is a great form of education for our future generations, as well as a boost for the country’s culture and tourism development,” Kong said.

“During the process, we have touched the hearts of many in the art, culture and literature arenas. They have contributed immensely towards the project,” he added.

Li applauded the move to build a monument garden, adding that monument gardens that have high historical values were important heritage and tourist attractions in China as well as a great place to learn about Chinese culture.

Pheng said the huge project would be an eye-opener and a significant contribution to Chinese culture in Malaysia.