Sylvie and Jacques Pimpaneau and the Nuoxi (1989) by Sylvie PimpaneauMuseu do Oriente
Kwok On collection
Incorporated into the museum collection of the Fundação Oriente in 1999, the Kwok On Collection was created by Jacques Pimpaneau, a French sinologist and professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Dancer at Niino no yuki festivity (2017) by Sylvie PimpaneauMuseu do Oriente
Performing Arts
The name pays homage to Kwok On, a Chinese citizen from Hong Kong, who donated around 600 objects linked to the traditional performing arts of Asia to Pimpaneau, with which the Sinologist began his collection and, in 1971, opened the Kwok On Museum in Paris.
Lion at the Seven Gods of Happiness Parade (January 2019) by Sylvie PimpaneauMuseu do Oriente
A living collection
Configured from the beginning as a living collection under construction, the Kwok On has been adding new objects as a result of field collections. These "missions" aimed a dual purpose: to acquire objects and study their material and symbolic contexts within the communities.
Sylvie and Jacques Pimpaneau and the Miao people (1994) by Sylvie PimpaneauMuseu do Oriente
Festivities and traditions
From 1989 onwards, the collection of objects was accompanied by Sylvie Pimpaneau, Jacques' wife and current curator of the Kwok On collection at the Fundação Oriente. The scope is extended to the religious rites and festivities of Asia and their narrative heritage.
Kanchu misogi, purification bath in ice water and prayer for the good health of the community (January 2020) by Sylvie PimpaneauMuseu do Oriente
With this expansion, the collection will also document, from an anthropological perspective, the traditions, practices and ways of life shared by different social groups throughout Asia.
Poster for the exhibition The Turn of the Goddesses. Posters from India (2021) by Museu do OrienteMuseu do Oriente
Kwok On Collection in Lisbon
To ensure the study, evolution and visibility of the Kwok On collection, Jacques Pimpaneau donated it to the Fundação Oriente in 1999. In this context, this collection has been exhibited in themed sections at the Museu do Oriente in Lisbon since 2008.
Rod Puppets Heads (19th century) by unknown authorMuseu do Oriente
Over 15,000 objects
Today, the collection includes testimonies of Asian performing arts and rites, from a geographical range that stretches from Turkey to Japan, and numerous types: musical instruments, puppets, costumes, paintings, engravings, statuettes and ritual objects.
Jurojin at the Seven Gods of Happinesss Parade (January 2019) by Sylvie PimpaneauMuseu do Oriente
Through the objects, but beyond them, the Kwok On collection seeks to represent ritual, domestic and community practices, through which highly complex and rich cults are performed to a diverse pantheon of deities.
Teyyam Ritual Costume (20th century) by unknown authorMuseu do Oriente
Among the wide variety of ritual and festive practices, Kwok On represents Japanese Noh, Kabuki and Bunraku theatres, Thai Khon theatre, Indian Koothyattam and Kathakali rituals.
Pardieh Scenery Painting for Tazieh (uncertain date) by unknown authorMuseu do Oriente
As well as Indonesian Wayang Golek, Klitik, Orang and Topeng theatres, Barong ritual dance, performances with puppets and Asian masks, and Iran's Tazieh theatre.
Medium embodying the Lady of Mount Popa at Nat’s Festivity in Taungbyon, Myanmar (1995) by Sylvie PimpaneauMuseu do Oriente
Research at source
The collection has continued to grow over the years through annual missions undertaken by the Fundação Oriente. Kwok On objects are mostly acquired in their places of origin.
New Year offerings made by artisan and sericulturalist Seno Norio (February 2019) by Sylvie PimpaneauMuseu do Oriente
On these occasions, contacts are also made with craftsmen, community members and specialists to document the practices associated with the objects.
Kamasan Painting (20th century) by unknown authorMuseu do Oriente
Representativeness
The aim of the Kwok On collection is to showcase a less stereotyped Asia, local Asian identities, popular and transversal to different groups and identities.
Model of the Legend of the White Serpent (1970) by Siu Hip Lee CompanyMuseu do Oriente
Considered one of the best collections of its kind on a European scale due to its geographical scope, Kwok On includes artefacts from remote times, many of which are unique or rare and have a great visual impact.
Kagura dance (January 2019) by Sylvie PimpaneauMuseu do Oriente
Diversity
With the Kwok On collection, the Fundação Oriente aligns itself with one of the axes of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, the promotion of cultural diversity, in order to empower individuals to implement the sustainable development goals.
Bonten Festival (2017) by Sylvie PimpaneauMuseu do Oriente
Regardless of their social or geographical context, festive practices and rituals are moments when communities are strengthened. The Kwok On collection celebrates this diversity and its contribution to human well-being, both individual and collective.
