Finance exhibition takes stock of the mainland's trading past

An exhibition of ancient stocks and bonds issued in China has been rolled out to give the stock-crazy public pause for thought.

Jointly organised by the department of history of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Museum of the People's Republic of China Shares of Listed Companies, the exhibition Share Certificates in Modern China is on at the Central Library in Causeway Bay, and aims to piece together the financial development of the mainland.

Featuring about 80 replica share and bond certificates, some dating from the late Qing and early Republic years, the exhibition allows visitors to catch a glimpse of the fledging financial institutions of old China.

All the exhibits on display were provided by collectors from Shanghai, 15 of which are shown for public viewing for the first time.

From estate stocks from the Qing dynasty to bonds issued by the Republic of China, visitors will be surprised at the wide variety of financial products available in ancient China.

The exhibition runs until Tuesday.