Exhibition of ancient paintings in Cyprus showcases China's rich heritage

People visit the Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings exhibition in Nicosia, Cyprus, Oct. 5, 2023. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

NICOSIA, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- 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 will open officially 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 over 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. 

People visit the Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings exhibition in Nicosia, Cyprus, Oct. 5, 2023. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

Annita Demetriou (2nd, R, front), speaker of the Cypriot House of Parliament, and Zhang Jianchun (1st, R), vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, visit the Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings exhibition in Nicosia, Cyprus, Oct. 5, 2023. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)