Calligraphy exhibition opens in Brussels to mark China Arts

BRUSSELS, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese calligraphy exhibition was held here on Wednesday, kicking start a series of events that will be part of the second China Arts Festival in the European Union(EU).

Themed "The Charm of Chinese Characters-Meditation of Ancient Philosophers and Performance of Contemporary Calligraphers", the exhibition has a collection of 30 works from contemporary calligraphers as well as 30 seal-cutting works and 30 rubbings from Chinese artists.

The collection, which is based on works from the most influential ancient Chinese philosophers, aims to help audience explore the core concept of China's universal values, according to a representative from the China Calligraphers Association, one of the event sponsors.

"The key to sound relations between states lies in peoples' affinity, which can be boosted by mutual understanding," said Minister Zhang Lirong of the Chinese Mission to the EU at the inauguration ceremony of the exhibition.

The official believes such an event "helps to establish a strong platform for China-EU cultural exchanges, deepen mutual understanding between the two cultures, promote people-to-people dialogue between China and EU, build up friendship and enhance interactions between Chinese and European civilizations."

Ellis Mathews, Head of China Division from European External Action Service(EEAS), highlighted the increasing collaborative opportunities lay in the protection and promotion of cultural heritage between EU and China. Mathews said cultural heritage was also an important part of the EU culture diplomacy.

The Chinese calligraphy is a unique art form of writing developed more than 5,000 years ago, and has long been recognized as a representative symbol for Chinese culture.

In September 2009, Chinese calligraphy and the art of the seal ingredients were all enlisted as the intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

The calligraphy exhibition will open to the public at the EEAS headquarters until November 7.