The handmade book exhibition in Beijing Photo: Courtesy of Xiao Tian

Annita Demetriou, speaker of the Cypriot House of Parliament, lauded the Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings exhibition on Thursday as a testament to China's rich heritage.

The exhibition was opened on the sideline of the Nicosia Book Fest, one of Cyprus' largest cultural events organized by the Prometheus Research Institute. The book festival officially opens on Friday, with China as the Country of Honor. Demetriou said that this exhibition showcases China's rich heritage, emphasizing humanity and drawing inspiration from nature.

The exhibition displays a collection of more than 12,000 Chinese paintings spanning various historical periods.

"The connection between Cyprus and China goes beyond politics and economics; it is rooted in mutual appreciation for each other's rich history and cultural heritage," the speaker said.

The Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings, a collaborative project by Zhejiang University and Zhejiang Provincial Administration of Cultural Heritage, features works on various materials, including paper, silk, brocade, damask and linen, sourced from 263 museums and cultural institutions worldwide. 

The exhibition specially presents more than 30 simulated paintings and real works from the pre-Qin period, Han and Tang dynasties. It vividly reproduces the development process of China's respiratory history and demonstrates the concept of exchange and integration between different civilizations.

Xinhua-Global Times