From The Concise Herbal Foundation Compilation Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Compiled by Liu Wentai et al. Illustrated by Wang Shichang et al. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Depicted are Bodhisattvas, supernatural beings, wise men such as Confucius and Lao-tze, plants, animals, rivers and mountains, along with customs and rites for weddings and funerals, science and weapon technologies and astrological predictions for farming and personal life.

Key scenes and figures of classical literature are portrayed, such as the Monkey King from Journey to the West, the Grand View Garden from Dream of the Red Chamber, and Zhuge Liang from Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Deputy mayor of Bologna Marco Lombardo said at the opening ceremony of the exhibition on March 25, "It's a wonderful chance for our citizens to learn about Chinese illustrations and its long history, and to enjoy its charm, to know a friendly country better."

The exhibition started March 25, and runs through March 29.