Lines of style

Lines form a central element of the aesthetics in classical Chinese painting. Artists draw them not only to define subjects but also because the lines are considered the "bones" of ink painting. The angles and intensity of brushstrokes create variations in ink shade and line width, enabling painters to convey mood, emotion, and temperament. Style and Integrity, an ongoing exhibition at the National Art Museum of China, presents selected classical paintings in its collection that demonstrate how artists of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties employed measures to reveal their technical mastery, accumulated experience, and personal character. The exhibition runs until Nov 30.

9 am-5 pm, closed on Mondays. 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng district, Beijing. 010-6400-1476.