An exhibition of Chinese calligraphy and painting was launched on Tuesday to mark the 7th anniversary of the region's return to the motherland.

Li Qiuping, head of the host Macao Association of the Art of Calligraphy and Painting, said the art show aimed to display the patriotism of Macao's artists.

The four-day exhibition features Chinese traditional art forms such as flower-and-bird painting, insect-and-fish painting, mountain-and-river painting, figure painting, running hand calligraphy and cursive script.

The Macao Association of the Art of Calligraphy and Painting, founded in 2000, traditionally holds numerous art activities yearly to boost communication and cooperation amongst Chinese artists.

(Xinhua News Agency November 15, 2006)