The Drunken Beauty is commemorated in gift form at the Expo 2010 Shanghai. |
'THE Drunken beauty' | Part 28
Liu Linghua's masterful oil painting The Drunken Beauty, one of the most celebrated artworks in modern China, has been well-received overseas. In celebration of this, a series of derivative works based on the painting, including embroideries, porcelain plates and folding fans, have been presented to distinguished guests from all over the world over the last few years as a vehicle to spread China's rich traditional culture.
The rich colors and vivid characterizations depicted in the painting became popular among foreigners during the Special Olympics in 2007, which Shanghai hosted. This successful debut was followed by appearances at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and tours of Hong Kong in 2009 and Taiwan in 2010.
The Drunken Beauty was again commemorated in gift form at two significant events in Shanghai this year, the Expo 2010 Shanghai and the first Taiwanese Club Forum. No other Chinese artworks have been honored in this way.
During Shanghai Week at the Expo, and later at the first Chinese Intangible Culture Heritage exhibition in Jinan, Shandong province, the painting served as one of the most eye-catching pieces and was appreciated by millions of Chinese art lovers.