Two hundred years ago China remained a mystery to most Westerners. In response, Chinese artists were commissioned to create works depicting daily life in the Middle Kingdom. The resulting watercolours were exported to England to serve as a window into Chinese culture. With the passing of time, things have come full circle as these same works have now returned to their birthplace.

A collection of works from the Victoria and Albert Museum are arriving in Guangzhou this month. The collection, which will be exhibited at the Guangzhou Museum of Art until January 2004, features 208 watercolours painted by Chinese artists during the 18th and 19th centuries. Its subjects range from tea production to boats to everyday occupations to butterflies.

One of the most striking features of the collection is the predominance given to human figures in the paintings. While most Chinese paintings of that era tend to resemble naturalist landscapes with only minute buildings and people, the Chinese Export Paintings collection focuses on buildings with very prominent humans conducting daily activities.

"Some scholars believe that the British taught the Chinese painters to paint in a European style while others believe that the Chinese painters adjusted themselves to the European style since they realized they could make good money from these paintings," says Wu.

The September 28th opening ceremony will be marked with a special visit from Mark Jones, curator of the Victoria and Albert Museum. His museum, along with the Guangzhou Cultural Bureau, and the British Council are the co-organizers of the exhibition.

Anyone interested in traditional Chinese customs, work, and daily life can visit the museum at 13 Lu Hu Lu (8365 9337) or visit their website at www.gzam.com.cn.

 (thatsmagazines.com  October 06, 2003 )