Tradition-inspired Chinese artworks shown in Rome to celebrate 55 years of Italy-China diplomatic ties

An art exhibition in Rome, celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Italy, showcased the serene and harmonious beauty of Chinese culture while fostering valuable communication between the two countries, according to visitors.

The two-week art exhibition, which concluded on Wednesday at the prestigious National Academy of Lincei, was co-hosted by the China Media Group (CMG), the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Museum of Civilizations, the Rome University of Fine Arts, the Italian Football Federation, and the Regional Council of Lazio.

Among the showcased artworks were more than 200 selected works by over 100 renowned Chinese contemporary calligraphers, painters, inheritors of intangible cultural heritage and master artisans. Over 100 treasured Italian artworks from the Museum of Civilizations in Rome were also on display.

The exhibits highlighted both the uniqueness and shared elements of the two cultures, showcasing Chinese traditional crafts such as painting and calligraphy, cloisonne enameling, bamboo carving, embroidery, and Yunjin, a traditional style of Chinese silk brocade. Jade carving and paper-cuttings were seen alongside traditional Italian costumes, ceramics, bronzeware and other cultural relics.

Maria Giuseppina Di Monte, director of Hendrik Christian Andersen Museum in Italy, noted that the exhibition revealed the vitality and expressiveness of Chinese traditional crafts through the works of contemporary artists.

"I think this exhibition is captivating and unprecedented. As far as I know, this is the first time such an art exhibition has been held in a prestigious public institution such as the National Academy of Lincei. The handmade artworks exemplify traditional Chinese craftsmanship, and they are original creations by contemporary artists, allowing visitors to feel the vitality and expressiveness of traditional crafts," she said.

Andrea Lelario, an Italian contemporary visual artist, expressed his delight in discovering the resemblance between a painting created by Liu Wanming, president of the China National Academy of Painting, and one of his own, noting the art from different regions resonates with the same universal language.

"This painting closely resembles one of my own pieces, which is currently on display at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Italy and is part of the Uffizi Gallery collection. In my work, I portrayed some pigs in their natural habitat. It is very similar to this work created by Liu Wanming. It is like an ensemble concert -- different instruments harmonizing in the same melody," said Lelario.

Visitors remarked on the artistic value of the Chinese exhibits, highlighting how simple materials can be transformed into exceptional artworks that reflect the profound depth of a civilization.

"I think that from this exhibition I feel the harmony. A lot of the paintings, some vases, emanate harmony. For me it was very interesting to see the calligraphy, Chinese calligraphy. Also, I think that nature is very important from the culture. So, if for example, you people don't know a lot of things about China and that nature, of some history, of the culture, you can see a lot of interesting things," said Anna, a Polish visitor.

"I am pleasantly surprised to discover this Chinese exhibition. It is remarkable. Even though I don't read Chinese calligraphy, I can see that these calligraphic and painting artworks convey profound significance through the figures and faces of the characters depicted, embodying a sense of dignity and nobility inherent in humanity. The paintings and calligraphy all exude a quiet solemnity. The Chinese artistic expression is what seems to be missing in Europe and the West," said Luigi, an Italian visitor.

"What stands out the most is the shared pursuit of excellence in both countries' artworks, particularly in their material handling and geometric composition. Artists can produce high-quality works even with simple materials, rather than relying on luxurious materials like gold. These colorful Italian craft traditions have found common ground with traditional Chinese art," said Roche, an Italian visitor and architect.

Some artwork viewers praised the exhibition for strengthening communication between the two countries.

"Italy is bursting with colors and home to great artists. And so is China. So why not build bridges of communication between the two countries? It is a necessary, beautiful and important endeavor. This exhibition showcases light, splendor and beauty. This exhibition, organized by China Media Group, is amazing," said Nunzia, an Italian visitor.

Tradition-inspired Chinese artworks shown in Rome to celebrate 55 years of Italy-China diplomatic ties

The three astronauts of China's recently-returned Shenzhou-20 mission on Friday shared the experiences of their dramatic 204-day space mission, including detailing the emergency procedures which were implemented to bring them safely home after their return capsule was struck by space debris.

The trio -- Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie -- met with the press in Beijing on Friday afternoon, marking their first public appearance since returning to Earth in November.

When detailing the emergency response mechanisms which were enacted prior to their scheduled return, the astronauts explained that upon discovering a triangular crack on the spacecraft's viewport window, they immediately took photos for documentation and transmitted them to the ground team, who swiftly activated an emergency plan to get the trio home safely.

Experienced mission commander Chen Dong explained how the crew had complete faith in their colleagues on the ground to find a solution to these unforeseen circumstances which led to their return being delayed.

"First, we must trust the ground team, who would anticipate everything and develop the safest return plan for us. Second, we must believe in ourselves; as well-trained astronauts, we have the ability to manage various unexpected failures. I believe that with the collaboration of astronauts and researchers on the ground, our space home will surely go farther, more steadily, and for a longer time," he said.

Following their extended stay in space as a result of the debris incident, the Shenzhou-20 crew spent a total 204 days in orbit, setting a new record for the longest duration by a single group of Chinese astronauts.

During their mission, they completed multiple payload operations, conducted extensive scientific experiments, and carried out four extravehicular activities.

"Our crew worked together with the ground team in unity and coordination, completing four extravehicular activities, several payload entry and exit tasks, and a large number of scientific experiments. It was a fulfilling yet challenging mission. The path to exploring the heavens is long and arduous, but I firmly believe that China's space missions will succeed," said Chen Zhongrui, a former air force pilot who was making his first spaceflight during the mission.

"From the ground to space, from learning to application, I have deeply felt the solid progress of Chinese space endeavors and the quiet dedication of countless personnel behind the scenes. In the future, I will accomplish each mission with full commitment, living up to the trust of the motherland and the people," said fellow astronaut Wang Jie, who was also making his debut spaceflight.

After returning to Earth on Nov 14, the trio successfully completed their isolation recovery and rehabilitation and will now resume normal training following health assessments.

The crew's return, originally scheduled for Nov 5, was postponed due to safety concerns, with the astronauts later using the return capsule belonging to their successor crew of the Shenzhou-21 mission to get back to Earth. China later launched the unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft which will serve the future return of the crew now aboard the Tiangong Space Station.

Shenzhou-20 astronauts share experiences after safely returning from debris incident