Enjoying Qing Dynasty Calligraphy at Chongqing Museum

Chongqing - The Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum (also known as Chongqing Museum) is hosting a special Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) calligraphy exhibition titled "Ping He Shou Zheng" in Chinese, which translates to "Upholding Harmony and Adhering to Rectitude." The exhibition is open to the public for free from April 28th to August 27th.

The exhibition spotlights "Tie Xue," a style of calligraphy that has been prominent in Chinese calligraphy history since the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties. "Tie Xue" emphasizes the calligraphic traditions and aesthetic theories of the "two Wangs"—master calligraphers Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi—along with the works of renowned calligraphers from the Jin (317-420) and Tang (618-907) dynasties. The exhibition features original works, copies, imitations, and rubbings.

Nearly 80 pieces of calligraphy by celebrated Qing Dynasty calligraphers are on display, including works by Wang Duo, Fu Shan, and Song Cao, who were skilled in the art of calligraphy. The exhibition also showcases pieces by top scholars in the imperial examinations, such as Weng Tonghe, Jin Bang, and Lu Runxiang. Additionally, visitors can admire calligraphy works by renowned Sichuan Province calligraphers from the Qing Dynasty, including Lv Qian, Zhang Wentao, and Zhuo Bitian.

The calligraphy works on display are all precious cultural relics, featuring three first-grade cultural relics, 25 second-grade cultural relics, and 50 third-grade cultural relics. Moreover, the exhibition presents valuable rubbings, such as the "Three Rare Calligraphy Scrolls," for visitors to enjoy.

The exhibition is divided into five sections: "Late Ming Dynasty Trends and the Worship of Dong's Style," "Worshipping Zhao and Revering Tang: The Flourishing of Tie Xue," "Adhering to Rectitude and Consolidating the Foundation of Tie Xue," "Using Calligraphy to Select Scholars: The Calligraphy of the Zhuangyuan (a title conferred on the scholar who came first in the highest imperial examination)," and "Elite Calligraphers Emerging: The Calligraphic Style of Bashu."

Within the exhibition, visitors can traverse time and space, engaging in conversation with these ancient calligraphers, unraveling the secrets of calligraphy art, and appreciating the allure of Chinese character writing.

In addition to the exhibition, the museum offers a variety of social and educational activities, such as audio guides, lectures, and interactive activities, to help visitors better understand and appreciate the exhibition's content and Chinese traditional culture. 

Furthermore, the museum's creative design team has launched a range of cultural and creative products centered on calligraphy art, including daily necessities and stationery.