Meng Ling makes copper plate prints of the plants. Photo provided to China Daily

Meng collects items from nature such as fig leaves and flower stems. He separates them according to specimen, and makes copper plate intaglio prints of the plants' patterns.

Meng draws his inspiration from a poem written during the Liang Dynasty (AD 502-557) by Wang Ji, a renowned scholar. "The forest is peaceful while cicadas are chirping, and the mountain is secluded while the birds are singing - it's always the creatures and plants from nature that tell you the most about the cycle of nature," Meng says.

Although prints can be mass produced, Yang says each one "is unique thanks to the delicate differences of conditions, such as humidity, temperature conditions of paper used, and the force of hands when pressing".

Copies of the artwork are for sale, with prices ranging from 100 to 400 yuan ($16-64). "We hope these affordable artworks may bring visitors a summer breeze with relaxation," Meng says.

IF YOU GO

Prints of summer

2-6 pm, until July 6.

Showroom, 30 House, 120 Lane, Tai'an Lu (Road) (near Wukang Road), Xuhui district, Shanghai.

For more information, please visit showroom-shanghai.net