National Treasures

From pottery to ritual bronzes, jade burial suit, porcelain, embroidery and ornaments, every cultural relic witnesses the history of China and has an interesting story to tell. This series explores some of the greatest national treasures collected in the major museums of China.

Art & Culture

Painting symbol of faithfulness

There are countless Chinese artworks with animal themes but few feature them bathing until Zhao Mengfu created a handscroll called "Yuma Tu" – a painting of bathing horses.

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Art & Culture

Surrealism in 15th century China

In the 15th century, a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) emperor named Zhu Jianshen (1447-87) created an artwork incorporating optical illusions.

2020-03-13 16:13 0

Art & Culture

Chinese master a late developer

Wen Zhengming (1470-1559) was a leading Chinese poet, painter and calligrapher during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The renowned scholar was a late bloomer.

2020-01-24 22:55 0

Art & Culture

Tale of how a secret religious sect inspired a group of ancient artists

A number of ancient painters once depicted the White Lotus Society-theme, which expressed their pursuit of an idyllic life. One of the painters was Zhang Ji.

2020-01-10 18:11 0

Art & Culture

The long and tumultuous tale of Master Tang and his shimingtu

Shimingtu depicts Tang Yin's leisurely lifestyle focusing on tea drinking.

2019-12-27 13:38 0

Art & Culture

Artwork that Emperor Qianlong almost destroyed, twice

As a pioneer in literati painting, Zhao Mengfu (1254-1322) sought personal expression rather than an accurate depiction of the landscape.

2019-12-13 15:59 0

Art & Culture

Artists' tribute to noble horses

A Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) handscroll and its facsimile of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) prove China's fondness for horses.

2019-11-29 17:03 0

Art & Culture

Ancient artwork's happy ending

Regarded as a representative poet of wanyue pai, Zhang Xian (990-1078) was also the creator of a renowned handscroll called "Shiyongtu," which means illustrating ten poems.

2019-11-19 12:32 0