500 contemporary & original pieces on display

Thangka painting

This year's Chinese Contemporary Arts and Crafts Biennale has opened at the National Museum of China in Beijing. Regarded as the most high-profile arts event in the country, the exhibition showcases about 500 pieces of contemporary and original art.

The 2014 Chinese Contemporary Arts and Crafts Biennale brings together some 500 masterpieces from various categories from all over the country.

One of the highlights are the Thangka paintings, which depict the history, politics, culture and social life of the Tibetan people. With vivid ethnic features and intense religious colors, these paintings have attracted a lot attention. Among them is this 5-meter long piece by renowned Thangka artist Niangben.

"The main colors of Thangka paintings are bright colors," Niangben said. "But this one is slightly different. It's main colors are black and gold, with red as a decoration."

Another eye-catching piece is this silver carving created by Lin Shiyuan, an artist from Fujian Province. The tower-shaped carving, which is 163-centimeter tall and weighs 80 kilos, is the biggest hand-made silver tower carving in the country.

Also on show are ceramics, embroideries, metal art, lacquer wares, as well as jade and wooden sculptures.

Organized by the Chinese National Academy of Arts and Chinese Center for the Safeguading of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the event also features a seminar on the development of Chinese Contemporary arts and crafts.

The exhibition runs through December 18th.