Art of friendship

A striking building

Located in Ito city in Japan's Shitsuoka county, Cui's gallery is surrounded by beautiful scenery.

The building is striking, with pure white architecture and pillars that stand in front like guards. A parking lot in the front can accommodate 100 cars.

The gallery is also a compelling tourist destination.

When visitors step into the lobby, the first thing they notice is a large open space that can accommodate weddings, receptions or concerts.

It also has a teahouse for art lovers to enjoy good afternoon tea while appreciating the beautiful landscape outside.

The hall is colored red and black in line with Cui's tastes.

The second floor is the major exhibition area for Cui's artworks.

Unlike the large, cold exhibition halls found in many museums, the second floor also includes human touches such as a restaurant and a lounge.

It is not Cui's first gallery.

In 2007, a Cui Ruzhuo Gallery opened in Beijing displaying more than 100 of his best works. It is one of the largest private art museums in China.

Works and collections

To Cui, art is not only about creating but also about collecting and enjoying the best artworks in history. For decades he has collected ancient paintings and calligraphy created over the past millennium and a half as well as the modern age.

With a profound understanding and sincere love for collecting, Cui has published various books on art theory and collections.

His published works include China Modern Masters' Paintings, World Famous Painters' Works and Cui Ruzhuo Landscape Painting Collection.

Cui's own works have been collected by celebrities from various fields as well as dozens of museums, galleries and universities in the US and Europe.

In China, Cui's works have been repeatedly selected as State gifts to foreign leaders.

Cui's dream even goes beyond art itself. He said he never forgot the underprivileged people in his home country.

After the earthquake in Sichuan in 2008, Cui sold paintings valued at 50 million yuan ($8.2 million) to a Russian company and donated all the proceeds to relief efforts.