A poetic unveiling of over a hundred rare and curated collections.
about the exhibition
ZLAB x Ontem Collect "Ruler" Art & Culture Exhibition
Over 100 Rare Exhibits from Private Collection.
Original Artworks Exquisitely Crafted with Unique Ingenuity.
A Ruler is not only a physical tool, but also a symbol culture and a philosophy. We can analyze the ruler through art and appreciate art through the ruler. When we begin to use our senses to see and use art to measure, everything become more multifaceted and more interesting.
Exhibition：30/05~28/07/2026
Time：11am~7pm
Fee：Free Admission (Registration required)
Venue：ZLAB (Unit A, 10/F., Yee Tak Factory Building, 42 Wing Hong Street, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon)
about Artist
About ONTEM COLLECT「昔貯」
Nestled at No. 2 Leung Yi Square, Sai Ying Pun, the street-level shop ONTEM COLLECT opened its doors in October 2024, adding new charm to this culturally and artistically rich neighbourhood. Ontem is a Portuguese word meaning yesterday. Founded by Mr. Joseph To, a Hong Kong interior designer, his professional work gradually nurtured his passion and enthusiasm for collecting. ONTEM COLLECT houses an eclectic array of vintage items, quirky curios and artworks spanning different eras — ranging from traditional measuring rulers, books and classic chicken bowls to Zen-inspired statues of Bodhidharma.
about Artist
Prologue：
Ban, ZHANG Zhe, Artistic Director of ZLAB, is a locally born and bred sculptor. He shared: "From a philosophical perspective, a ruler has a physical form, while the mind has no boundaries. External rulers measure length and size; internal moral scales judge integrity, principles and bottom lines. One should conduct oneself with propriety, abide by rules, and know when to advance or retreat, maintaining a proper measure in interpersonal interactions. The evolution of civilization is an ongoing process of setting standards, upholding constraints, and pursuing justice."
Collection
Niet Voor Handelsdoeleinden Jasper No. 29
Description : Folding Ruler (1 Mt. Length)
Year : 1930-40
Origin : the Netherlands
Piper Ruler
Description : Measure pipe
Origin : Japan
Artwork
Artists : Ban, Zhang Zhe
Artwork : "Use oneself as a yardstick to Gauge the world” #1
Material : Stainless Steel
Size : 120 x 50 x 110cm
Year : 2026
Artists : Ban, Zhang Zhe
Artwork : "Use oneself as a yardstick to Gauge the world” #2
Material : Stainless Steel / Acrylic
Size : 80 x 30 x 110cm
Year : 2026
