Exhibition offers a panorama of 'Dream of the Red Chamber'

"Dream of the Red Chamber" is an 18th-century Chinese novel authored by Cao Xueqin, considered to be a pinnacle of Chinese literature. Based on the author's personal life, the novel is known for its intricate plot, meticulous depiction, and high artistic value. Over the past 200 years, it has been an important subject in painting.The album of paintings on "Dream of the Red Chamber" created by Qing dynasty artist Sun Wen is housed at Lvshun Museum in Liaoning province and is a national first-class cultural relic. The project was started in 1867 by Sun and was not completed until 1903. Featuring 23 volumes and 230 pictures, the album presents the major plots of the novel and captures the daily life and landscape at that time.

The exhibition displays 100 paintings from the album as well as 53 pieces and sets of cultural relics related to "Dream of the Red Chamber." Incorporating paintings and tangible objects, the exhibition is designed as a "garden touring" experience, offering visitors a unique exploration of the Chinese classic.
"I'm so amazed by all the art pieces and how detailed it is. Imagine the whole book being written with art and that's quite amazing. Definitely, I am gonna talk about this beautiful exhibition to my friends for sure," said Nabin from Nepal.

The Museum of Wu will also organize a series of lectures on Sun Wen's painting album and "Dream of the Red Chamber.""Visitors from home and abroad are welcomed to see this exhibition and feel the brilliant Chinese culture up-close at the Museum of Wu," said Chen Zenglu, curator of the Museum of Wu.

The exhibition will run through February 23, 2025.

By iSuzhou reporter Wu Yingxian, some pictures are from Museum of Wu

Source：iSuzhou