A painting by an anonymous Song court painter on show. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

The National Museum of China has selected 52 classic Chinese ink paintings and calligraphic pieces from its immense collection to mount a permanent display that opened on Dec 17. The exhibition allows people to witness the evolution of Chinese ink art since the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and throughout the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Highlights of the show include the elegant flower-and-bird genre of paintings by Song court painters and a lengthy horse-themed scroll painted by Ren Renfa, a senior official of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and established painter who specialized in depicting horses, as well as paintings by other masters including Wen Zhengming and Zhu Da.

Calligraphy delivers a philosophical depth and the core of Chinese cultural traditions that still enlighten people today. Featured calligraphers at the exhibition include Zhao Gou or Song Emperor Gaozong and Zhao Mengfu.