Awed by masterpieces

Housed in the Hall of Martial Valour were the calligraphy and paintings of four monks: Hongren, Kuncan, Bada Shanren and Shitao.

Even to our Mandarin-illiterate eyes, the calligraphy was aweinspiring. Also impressive was the state-of-the-art ambient lighting that illuminated without damaging the calligraphy and paintings.

In another section of this hall, a traditional Chinese scholar’s study was re-created. Brass vessels and ceramic incense burners were placed on top of artfully arranged softwood tables while on two opposing sides of the study were four panels of sublime black-andwhite ink drawings.

Another popular exhibit was a white circular screen on which was flashed a succession of ink paintings – a neat way to overcome space constraints, I thought.

Although the One Belt, One Road exhibits are aesthetically pleasing but not outstanding, I thought this was a clever way to demonstrate the tangible likely impact of President Xi Jinping’s landmark policy.

Titled “Imperial Splendour”, Chaumet’s jewels, objets d’art, paintings and drawings, was another much-elbowed viewing. Particularly favoured were historic items like Napoleon’s Coronation Sword and the glittering diamondencrusted diadems.

On the way to the exit, we stopped at the Architecture Gallery. A video explained how the Forbidden City was built. Our interest was piqued by a photo of an unfinished Western-style building. Given the splendour of the Forbidden City, if completed, this Western-style edifice would have been a “carbuncle” (to borrow Prince Charles’ description) on a near-flawless Chinese architectural visage.

Beijing offers an excellent example of how museums can continue to remain visually attractive through local and foreign touring exhibitions.

Comments: siokchoo@thesundaily.com