The National Academy of Painting has mounted a series of art shows featuring 800 resident artists, to celebrate the centennial of the Communist Party of China.

 

The first two exhibitions, now on show at its art museum in Beijing until June 16, feature works of calligraphy and seal engraving, two cornerstones of classical Chinese fine arts.

 

While calligraphic pieces on show are mostly inspired by famous poems by Mao Zedong, paper works bearing seal stamps show the latest developments in the art of seal carving and the studies of ancient Chinese writing, which are normally chosen as models for the characters on engraved seals.

 

The National Academy of Painting was founded 40 years ago to boost the research and creation of traditional Chinese art.

 

The following exhibitions will show classical Chinese paintings, oil paintings, sculptures and prints, as well as one show dedicated to works by younger artists.