The Russian State Museum of Oriental Art has completed an update of its permanent Chinese art gallery. Twelve Chinese paintings and calligraphic works that had been on long-term display have temporarily been returned to storage, while several new scrolls and album leaves, along with ivory carvings and an exquisite folding screen measuring over 3 meters wide, have been added. This marks the gallery’s first major update in nearly 15 years.
According to Larisa Kuzmenko, curator of the gallery, the update helps protect fragile paintings on silk and paper that have been exposed to light for extended periods, giving these precious works a chance to “rest” and ensuring their preservation for future generations. Among the new additions are the traditional ink-wash paintings Fish and Shrimp by Qi Baishi and Cats by Xu Beihong, a calligraphic work by Zhu Yunming, and Begonias by Yun Shouping. In addition to paintings, the updated gallery features three Chinese ivory carvings: Scholars Seated Around a Table (1950), desk ornament Cabbage and Grasshopper (1953), and Statue of a Girl Holding a Fan (20th century).
The gallery update is part of the museum’s ongoing efforts to preserve its collection and advance scholarly research into its holdings. It offers visitors a fresh perspective on the permanent exhibition while bringing works that have remained in storage for many years back into public view.
Source: Russian State Museum of Oriental Art