[Photo by JIANG DONG/CHINA DAILY]

The exhibition bears testimony to how the pursuit of excellence has been viewed in Chinese culture, as written in the classic Kaogong Ji (Records of Examinations of Trades and Crafts). A quote from the classic work says: "The universe has time, the land has energy, the materials are refined and the techniques demand sophistication, and only things that blend the four dimensions can be seen as an impeccable product."

On the one hand, the exhibition gives an insightful perspective of artists on discovering the natural beauty of their materials sourced from nature. Works on show cover some of the basic materials that people have used for centuries, such as wood, stone and metal. It is a celebration of a Chinese philosophical view that humans should learn from nature and live peacefully by its rules.

On the other hand, the exhibits demonstrate how artists have breathed new life into these natural ingredients with evolving techniques, and present a diverse idea of nature in art and crafts. The exhibition also echoes the spirit of craftsmen that has been promoted in different walks of life in the country, as many of the works on show not only mark their technical achievements but also show their commitment as artists.