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CONFUCIUS, WISDOM BEYOND BORDERS
What is the good life? How do we achieve it? For much of the contemporary world, people often forget that ancient wisdom has been used to answer the same big questions that mankind has been asking since the dawn of time.
Confucius’s teachings, with its emphasis on humanity, harmony and integrity, offers a fresh perspective on how we can improve ourselves and enrich our lives today. The sage’s wisdom has guided the Chinese and much of Asia for more than 2,000 years and profoundly affected their way of life.
This time, in line with Confucius’ emphasis on education for all, I hope to introduce Confucian culture to a wider audience and let them experience the warm, idealistic teachings of this iconic philosopher.
It is my great honour to bring together Mr Chiang Yi-tze, a talented artist who has devoted his life to the study of Confucianism, and Royal Selangor, a pewter company of great skill and craftsmanship, to bring Celestial Wisdom to life. The collection pays tribute to Confucius and his disciples, and the values they hold dear.
Artist Consultant
BENjamin Tan
智慧系列: 《 孔子- 有教无类 》
作为一名华人来说，无论是否学习过儒学，大都知道孔夫子的大名。他深奥的哲学流传了两千多年，深刻地影响着全世界华人的思维，并在我们不一定知道的情况下运用着其中的智慧。
这是流淌在我们血液里的价值观，华人能够较容易地理解和接受，但非华人却很难有机会接触到。长久以来，西方的哲学作为主流，遍布了全世界，但华人世界的哲学却只有华人才懂，实为可惜。本次希望透过此系列作品来开启话题，让自己和更多人去学习，亦或产生好奇，也让更多外国人能知道儒学文化，这是否也符合孔子有教无类的精神?
很荣幸能邀请到像江逸子老先生一般对儒学题材研究如此透彻的艺术家，他一辈子专心一意，不辞辛劳地专注于研究儒佛学和艺术领域，如同 Royal Selangor 品牌几十年来只专注在锡工艺上一样。这是个完美的结合，其碰撞后产生的火花便是本次作品《孔子 - 有教无类 》。
策划人
BENjamin 陈
CELEBRATING CONFUCIAN VIRTUES THROUGH THE ARTS
As a descendant of Confucius, I am delighted to hear that Royal Selangor of Malaysia is launching a figurine collection of Confucius and the Master’s prominent students. It is an admirable way to honour Confucius and his great teachings.
The world’s foremost name in quality pewter, Royal Selangor was founded by Mr Yong Koon who sailed from Shantou, China to Malaysia in 1885. Straddling three centuries and having survived two world wars, the brand stays true to its heritage of pewter design and craftsmanship. One of Malaysia’s best-known international brands, Royal Selangor’s legacy spans four generations.Today, it is recognised as “the world’s largest pewter manufacturer”.
The collaboration between Royal Selangor and acclaimed Taiwanese artist Chiang Yi-tze on the collection of Confucian figurines is, indeed, a marriage made in heaven.
Master Chiang is a student of Professor Li Bingnan, an expert in Confucian studies. As the Director of the Management Office of the “Official for Sacrifices to the Exalted First Teacher of Culture”, Master Chiang is in charge of records and documents.
He is deeply influenced by the Confucian teaching of moral virtues exemplified by filial piety, brotherly duty, loyalty and trustworthiness. He is a prolific artist devoted to renditions with a Confucian theme. Over the years, he has completed “The Lifetime of Confucius” (33 paintings), “Illustration of The Analects” (3 collections), “Confucian Sages” (72 paintings) and “The Book of Filial Piety” (18 paintings), among others. These are invaluable illustrative works that showcase the life of Confucius and his students that seek to “correct existing habits and purify the mind”, as Professor Li has advocated.
I was touched by the fact that the Royal Selangor collection of Confucian figurines was modelled after Master Chiang’s original sculptures.
Confucius said, “Wealthy yet observant of the rites.” Rich as Master Chiang is in knowledge and Royal Selangor in their heritage of pewter design and craftsmanship, they have set a great example in embracing the time-honoured virtues, and promoting them to future generations by crafting these Confucian figurines.
Confucius said, “I set my heart on the Way, base myself on virtue, lean on benevolence for support and take my recreation in the arts.” Only with such strong conviction will the ancient wisdom and values be embraced and guarded. This is, indeed, worthy of our life’s pursuit.
77th Descendent of Confucius
Kong Deyong
依仁游艺
欣闻马来西亚皇家雪兰莪怀尊孔崇儒之心，推出孔子及其五位得意门生系列雕像精品，作为孔子后裔深感钦佩。
皇家雪兰莪乃锡镴工业中最著名品牌，1885年，杨堃先生从中国汕头越洋到马来西亚创立，跨越三个世纪，历经两次世界大战的洗礼，如傲雪寒梅独立世间，始终如一的坚守，持之以恒的创新，让皇家雪兰莪成为了今天享誉世界的知名企业。杨氏家族第三代及第四代成员将皇家雪兰莪从一个家庭式手工作坊，成功地演变成世界最大和产量最多的锡镴国际品牌，号称 “世界最大的锡器制造厂”，是我们华人的骄傲！
今闻此精品雕像原型出自台湾的知名艺术家江逸子先生，可谓珠联璧合。
江逸子先生师承儒学泰斗李炳南教授，作为大成至圣先师奉祀官府管理处主任，江先生掌管该处文献，深受儒家孝悌忠信伦理教化影响，尤擅长《孔子》主题创作，多年来《孔子圣迹图》33幅，《论语画解》三部专辑，《孔子圣贤图》72幅,《孝经》18幅作品，乃为孔子画像、孔子一生、孔子诸弟子的文献标本，亦为两岸文化稀世瑰宝。其画志道据德，探赜钩深，正合其师李炳南老居士所教 “移风正俗、净化人心。”
尤闻马来西亚皇家雪兰莪以江先生圣贤雕像原型倾心雕琢，甚为感动。
子曰：“富而好礼”，江先生学富五车，杨氏家族富甲一方，今携手树立圣贤之像，光照千秋，泽被后人，实乃德慧之举，功德无量。
子曰：“志于道，据于德，依于仁，游于艺”，纵观江先生和杨氏家族，皆以此为人生价值。惟“志道据德依仁游艺”，方能真正守护华夏民族的价值和精神，实为我辈终生之追求！
孔德墉
孔子七十七代孙
ABOUT CHIANG YI-TZE | 江逸子
Confucius and his disciples owe their shape and form to Chiang Yi-tze, an acclaimed Chinese artist. Born in 1938 in Fuzhou, Fujian province, China, and a promising artist in his youth under the mentorship of Confucian master Li Bingnan, he voluntarily withdrew from the art world in the late 1960s to better his art in private. After a four- decade hiatus, Chiang returned, showing his art in public to promote the philosophies of Confucianism and Buddhism, honouring a promise made to his mentor.
孔子及其五位得意门生的雕像精品原型出自居于台湾的知名艺术家江逸子。江逸子于 1938 年在中国福建省省会福州出生，师承儒学泰斗李炳南教授，于 20 世纪 60 年代后期从艺坛全身引退，选择隐居以精进自己的艺术。四十年后，江逸子重返艺坛，公开展出历年艺术创作，以宣扬儒佛两家哲思为己任，履行对恩师的承诺。
Royal Selangor has brought Confucius and his disciples to life, and given visual sense to the humanistic values which form the basis of a richly rewarding life today.
CONFUCIUS | 孔子
A quiet confidence emanates from Confucius’s placid countenance. An early proponent of equality, he boldly proposed anybody with the right education could become a great person. For those embarking on a new chapter in life like starting a family or retirement, Confucius is a visual reminder that everyone can achieve their dream through passion and hard work regardless of background or circumstances. Those looking to form meaningful connections can draw inspiration from his timeless teachings on kindness, loyalty and empathy. The figurine of the sage also makes a great gift for mentors and coaches.
孔子平静的面容散发出内敛自信。人称万世师表的孔子，提倡有教无类，因材施教，认为任何人都可以通过正确教育成材。对于那些刚踏入人生新的阶段，譬如说建立家庭或开始退休生活的人来说，孔子雕像就像是提示我们，不论来自何种背景或环境。每个人都可以通过热忱和努力实现自己的梦想。希望和他人建立紧密联系，则可从孔子仁义忠恕等教诲中有所顿悟。孔子雕像也是致送给师长和导师等的绝佳礼物。
Confucius is joined by five of his most devoted followers. From their facial features, little stylistic details of top knots to the folds of their robes, each man’s personality is captured in detail.
雕像系列除孔子外，更有他的五位得意门生。通过雕像的面部特征、发髻细节到长袍褶皱，表现出每位弟子独特的的个性和品格。
DISCIPLES | 门生
YANHUI | 颜回，字子渊
The brightest and most senior of Confucius’ disciples, the self-effacing Yanhui, with the courtesy name Ziyuan, was considered an ideal successor to the sage. His humble, amicable and courteous nature earned the respect of his peers. Yanhui’s love of learning was also legendary. It was said that he grew up in poverty, and survived with a single bamboo dish of rice and a single gourd container of drink a day. Despite these challenging conditions, Yanhui stayed optimistic, drawing strength from his love of learning. Yanhui’s life can serve as an inspiration to educators, healthcare providers and NGOs. Newlyweds and couples may take a cue from Yanhui’s gentle easy-going personality.
颜回，字子渊，被认为是孔子最优秀的弟子和最理想的继承人。颜回为人谦恭有礼，待人以诚，孜孜不倦的求学精神更是可敬。自幼家贫，居于陋室之中，日进一餐，只用竹器盛稀饭和用木瓢舀水喝。虽然生活艰苦，但他努力不懈，安贫乐道，从不改好学初衷，足当教育工作者、医护人员和非牟利工作者的榜样
MINSUN | 闵损，字子骞
Minsun, with the courtesy name Ziqian is known for his love of family. Legend has it that his stepmother had clothed him in thin garments while her own children were dressed in warm clothing during winter. When his father found out, he wanted to throw her out of the house. However Minsun convinces him otherwise with a moving argument, “If our mother leaves, there will be the three of us suffering from the cold; but if she stays, then only one of us will suffer.” One of Confucius’ favourites, he is a visual reminder for those who appreciate filial piety as a virtue or a present for a respected mentor or parental figure.
闵损，字子骞，是孔子最钟爱的门生之一，其孝行向来为人津津乐道。民间故事记载闵损幼年丧母，父亲续弦再娶。继母在寒冬时只给闵损穿着单薄衣衫，而自己所出的两子则穿着厚厚棉袄。父亲发现后勃然大怒要把继母逐出家门。闵损下跪求情说：“留下母亲只我一人受冷，休了母亲三个孩儿都得挨苦！” 终于感动其父。馈赠象征孝亲廉洁的闵损雕像予尊敬的师长或长辈最适合不过。
RANYONG | 冉雍，字仲弓
A man of a few words, Ranyong, with the courtesy name Zhonggong was highly regarded by Confucius who deemed him fit to rule a state. As a public official, he understood the need for integrity. His presence makes a good visual cue for media, law and finance practitioners. Ranyong’s sincerity and penchant for respecting others is something aspiring leaders and people in positions of management can emulate.
冉雍，字仲弓，孔子对他赞誉有加，认为他是治国良材。其人不多言，但处事气度宽宏，深懂从政者必须仁厚谨重，足当媒体、法律和金融等领域工作者的典范。而待人以诚、崇德尚贤的性格也可供领导阶层和管理人员借鉴。
DUANMU CI | 端木赐，字子贡
Self-aware with a deep understanding of human nature, Duanmu Ci’s intellectual acuity and eloquence enable him to take on multiple roles, as a prominent diplomat, high official in several states, and successful businessman. Also known by his courtesy name, Zigong, he was interested in the political aspects of Confucius’ teachings, and how benevolence and kind heartedness could be applied in governing. He serves as a testament to self improvement and his figurine makes a meaningful gift for career changers, new business owners and business partners.
端木赐，字子贡，深谙人性兼具自知之明，天资聪敏，能言善道，辩才了得。其人多才多艺，不只擅长外交，更善于理财。曾任多个诸侯国的官员，也是个出色商人。子贡尤其喜欢钻研孔子的政治理论和见解，以及如何在施政时融入仁德公义等概念。对于寻求事业突破，准备在商界大展拳脚以及商业伙伴而言，子贡堪为效法对象。
ZHONGYOU | 仲由，字子路
Though Zhongyou, with the courtesy name Zilu was brash and impetuous, he was also a valiant, truthful and loyal disciple of the sage. When the sage met him, he had asked Zhongyou what he loved most. He replied that he loved his sword. When Confucius suggested that he took up education, Zhongyou scoffed and added that he already knew how to make a simple bamboo weapon for piercing animal hide. However the sage slyly pointed out that with education, he could turn it into a powerful hunting arrow with a steel point and feathered tail. Zhongyou was instantly won over. His martial skills and education enabled him to serve as an official in the state of Wei. His courage will prove to be a source of inspiration to professionals moving abroad or starting out in their careers to overcome challenges that come their way and still be humble to learn from the best.
仲由，字子路，粗犷刚猛，质朴率真，是孔子最忠实的门生之一。有说子路初遇孔子时，孔子劝他向学，子路认为自己已懂得砍下竹子做成箭射穿野兽的厚皮，因此不需学习。孔子则说:“如果在箭尾装上硬羽，箭首装上尖锐箭头，不是能射得更深吗？”子路听后心悦诚服，有感学习的重要性，遂拜入孔子门下。他的武艺和教育让他平步青云，在政治上露头角。对于要远赴他国出任新职，或在职场排除万难谋发展的人士来说，有着过人勇气的仲由具有极佳的启示作用。
Civility, respect and consideration for the needs of all. Also known as Confucianism, the philosophy of Confucius (551 - 479 BCE) continues to have a profound effect on the cultures of East Asia, with its emphasis on family and social harmony. A teacher and philosopher, Confucius guided many disciples drawn to his espousal of justice, meritocracy and a benevolent moral code. With disciples believed to number in the thousands, Royal Selangor’s selection is determined by Chiang Yi-tze, an acclaimed Taiwan-based artist who also sculpted the contemplative masters of this collection.
Born in 1938, and a promising artist in his youth under the mentorship of Confucian master Li Bing-nan, Taiwan-based artist Chiang Yi-tze voluntarily withdrew from the art world in the late 1960s to better his art in private. After a four decade hiatus, Chiang returned, showing his art in public to promulgate the philosophies of Confucianism and Buddhism, to honour a promise made to his mentor.
