Zaire legacy show in Shanghai Museum

A rare exhibition is taking place in Shanghai Museum - wood sculptures from along the Congo River. Zhang Kun finds out what's so special about the art pieces that even modern masters such as Pablo Picasso and Paul Guillaume were inspired.

Shanghai Museum is having its first African art show, presenting 71 wood sculptures from along the Congo River.

According to its director Chen Xiejun, it is a happy co-incidence to have the show right after President Xi Jinping's visit to Africa. "This proves the importance of Sino-African relationship," he says.

The exhibits are from Musee du Quai Branly of France. Opening in 2006, the museum has established its collection first from African art.

Art from the Congo River has had important influence in the modern and contemporary art scene, and been widely copied, according to Stephane Martin, president of Quai Branly Museum.

We recommend:
Dream-like scenery of Sichuan	Zou Shiming wins first professional competition	Top 20 goddesses selected by students
China's ancient ferry museum: Xijin Ferry	Beautiful actresses in Journey to the West	Superstars from CCTV Young Singer Competition
Believe It Or Not Museum to open in Shanghai	Top 10 super models in Chinese mainland	Top 10 'sexy goddess' of Asian descent