Bulletin No. 2, 2013

Prof. Jao Tsung-I Honoured by Institut de France   33  P rof. Jao Tsung-I , a world-renowned sinologist and Wei Lun Honorary Professor of Fine Arts at CUHK, has been named Associate Foreign Member of Académie des Inscriptions et Belles- Lettres, Institut de France. He is the first-ever Asian sinologist to be awarded this honourable title. The Académie, one of the five academies of the Institut de France, was founded in 1663 and plays an essential role in the advancement of historical, archaeological and philosophical scholarship in France and the world. The Associate Foreign Membership is the highest honour conferred on overseas academicians of the Institut de France. Professor Jao is a world-famous Chinese scholar whose erudition covers a wide range of subjects in Chinese art, archeology, history, literature and philosophy, from Dunhuang studies, oracular bone inscriptions to historical musicology, to name but a few. His seminal works include over 80 books and 500 treatises. He is also a painter, musician and calligrapher of the highest calibre. His association with CUHK dates back to its early years when he began teaching here and later became the chair professor and the chairman of the then Chinese Department in 1973. Over the years, Professor Jao has generously bestowed a number of his books, paintings and calligraphy to the University. The induction ceremony was held on 19 September at Lee Hysan Concert Hall on CUHK campus. Prof. Franciscus Verellen , Academician of the Académie and Prof. Michel Zink , Permanent Secretary of the Académie, had flown from France to officiate at the ceremony. The former addressed the audience of about 200 guests and dignitaries from the local and overseas academic and cultural sectors. The latter presented to Professor Jao a certificate, the presidential decree and a medal, and conferred on him a sword made in the likeness of the Sword of Goujian, believed to be the sword of the King of Yue State during the Spring and Autumn Period over 2,000 years ago and which was unearthed in immaculate condition in Hubei in 1965. In his vote of thanks, given on his behalf by Prof. Jenny So , Professor of Fine Arts and Director of Art Museum of the Institute of Chinese Studies, CUHK, Professor Jao said, ‘I have established close academic connection and friendship with the sector of French sinology for over half a century since I first met renowned French sinologist Prof. Paul Demiéville in the 1950s. I am deeply honoured to be conferred the Associate Foreign Membership by the Institut de France.’