Eternal grace

Among the traditional preparations to celebrate Lunar New Year, one was known as suizhao qinggong, "an arrangement of elegant offerings to usher in the new year and coming spring". In the past, people would clean the inside and outside of their houses, and place on desks cultural objects, such as books, incense burners, archaic bronzeware and porcelain vases, as well as fruit, potted plants and rocks. Sometimes people also hung classical Chinese paintings, featuring such motifs, conveying blessings for peace and prosperity throughout the year. The National Art Museum of China is showing a selection of suizhao qinggong paintings from its collection, as well as still-life pieces and sculptures, depicting similar objects for the Year of the Tiger.

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