July 18th, 2012 - Il Drago e la Farfalla -- Immagini di Cina a Montepulciano Chinese Art Show, co-sponsored by the Confucius Institute in Pisa of Italy and Piero Biblioteca e Archivio Calamandrei in Montepulciano was kicked off in the ancient La fortezza Castle in Montepulciano and will conclude on August 15, lasting for one month.

The Chinese Art Show displayed over 60 Chinese paintings, including 5 authentic works by the Chinese master painter Qi Baishi kept in Piero Biblioteca e Archivio Calamandrei in Montepulciano, and masterpiece of famous contemporary Chinese painters such as Xu Shihu and Zhang Jin. The Show aroused great local sensation and each day it would receive more than 150 visitors coming from all over the world to appreciate the paintings and satisfy their curiosity for the oriental art. In the only 29 days, over 3,000 visitors, 30% of whom came from other countries, such as USA, UK, Australia, Brazil, Netherlands, Belgium and France were present at the Show.

During the Show, many Italian visitors expressed their curiosity about China known as a great oriental civilization. They were amazed by the Chinese art, which is completely different from the oil paintings in the West but has the equally rich colors and distinctive charm. It was the first time for many audiences to view the Chinese paintings. They were shocked by the vividness of Qi Baishi's works and surprised by the expert painting skills of the two contemporary Chinese painters. The visitors spared no praising for the Chinese Art Show on the message pads. They said the Show offered them an opportunity to appreciate the Chinese culture and art. Besides, it really helped them have some fresh understanding about China and Chinese art, in particular for the Italian visitors.

The Chinese Art Show coincided with the International Music Festival and Wine Festival of Montepulciano. Almost every day, there was musical performance or wine drinking event in the salon of the Art Show venue. While drinking the famous Montepulciano wine and listening to the music, people appreciated the Chinese art. During the Chinese Art Show, the host also sold many books about China. Matteo Ricci Association in Prato also expressed the wish of cooperation with Montepulciano and the Confucius Institute in Pisa.

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato and Chairwoman Silvia Calamandrei of Biblioteca e Archivio Piero Calamandrei in Montepulciano were drinking wine in the Chinese Art Show.

A number of Italian media outlets including newspaper, radio and TV covered the Chinese Art Show timely while giving the highest praise for it. They preferred the water color paintings by the famous contemporary Chinese painter Xu Shihu. Many people asked if they could purchase his paintings. And the Show was attended by many Chinese art fans who were delighted to enjoy the Chinese Art Show in Italy, expressing that they hoped to see more similar shows in the future.

A Montepulciano girl dressed in ancient Italian costume and holding a Chinese umbrella in front of the bulletin of the Confucius Institute in Pisa

The Chinese Art Show was not just a bond between Italy and China, but also helped Italian people experience the Chinese culture personally. Many Italian artists and visitors said they hoped to see more events like this to help them further understand the Chinese culture and art.