Zhejiang tells West Lake stories in Japan

A series of watercolor wood print paintings depicting the landscape of West Lake is being showcased in Japan from April 6 to 12, commemorating the 35 years of friendly relationship between East China's Zhejiang province and Japan's Shizuoka prefecture. [Photo from WeChat account zjartmuseum]

A series of watercolor wood print paintings depicting the picturesque landscape of West Lake is being showcased in Japan from April 6 to 12, as a commemoration of the 35 years of friendly relationship between East China's Zhejiang province and Japan's Shizuoka prefecture.

Zhejiang is best known for its copious waters; and West Lake, resting quietly in the center of the provincial capital Hangzhou, has long been recognized as the origin of the local culture.

In celebration of the prolonged cultural exchanges between the two sides, the exhibition displays 32 outstanding art works, including ones from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) and others perfectly integrating modern ideas and traditional techniques.

The exhibition also uses various multi-media presentation tools to vividly and thoroughly reveal the past, present and future of the historic lake.

"It's amazing to see the ancient Chinese technique 'reviving' in Japan," a local visitor exclaimed after learning that the over 1,400-year-old artistic style had once been introduced into his motherland."And these art works have a 'magic power', bringing me to a splendid beauty from afar!"

A watercolor wood print portraying West Lake in misty rain. [Photo from WeChat account zjartmuseum]