Amid the splendor of spring, a visual feast - Traveling Clouds, Drawing Paper: Turkish Ebru Art Exhibition - is about to unfold at the Shanghai Qingpu Museum on April 12. It will invite visitors to appreciate the artistic charm of a world intangible cultural heritage, the Turkish Ebru art.

What is Turkish Ebru art?

Turkish Ebru is an art form where you paint directly on the surface of water in a shallow tray. It originated in China and was transported westward through the Silk Road in the 14th century. It first arrived in Iran and then made its way to Anatolia, where it flourished in the Ottoman Empire, eventually becoming a world intangible cultural heritage.

Ebru is characterized by its mysterious allure, combining classical beauty with a seamless integration into modern art. Both the process of creation and the finished artworks are highly aesthetic, making it a rare and exceptional art form.

This exhibition at Shanghai Qingpu Museum has selected dozens of classic Turkish Ebru artworks, each a masterpiece reflecting the unique craftsmanship of the artists, leaving viewers captivated.

Turkiye is a beautiful country situated at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. The historical and cultural exchanges between China and Turkiye have a long-standing history. From the ancient Silk Road to the joint construction of the Belt and Road, they maintain close relations.

△ Artwork Title: "Chapel of Hagia Sophia"

Artwork Description: The towering arches of the chapel, adorned with intricate decorations, exude the solemnity of Byzantine architecture. The unique flowing ripples of Ebru art gently surround the building, resembling a light mist, evoking a sense of mystery.

As historical and cultural cities, Shanghai and Istanbul have engaged in extensive and profound exchanges in various fields, such as culture, tourism, and economy, since they became friendship cities in 1989.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Shanghai and Istanbul becoming friendship cities. With the support of the Chinese Embassy in Turkiye, the Turkish Consulate General in Shanghai, the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, and the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, the Shanghai Art Collection Museum and the Shanghai Qingpu Museum jointly host the exhibition.

△ Artwork Title: "Fountain of Ahmed III "

Artwork Description: The Fountain of Ahmed III stands to the right of the painting, with flowing lines resembling natural marble patterns surrounding four graceful doves, capturing the dynamic beauty on paper.

Ebru is a cultural and artistic treasure of Turkiye, representing a prime example of artistic integration between the East and the West in ancient times. As early as the Tang Dynasty (618 to 906), China gave birth to a craft known as "Liushajian Paper", which later spread westward via the Silk Road. In the 14th century, this Chinese craft made its way to Turkiye and gradually evolved into an art form with distinct local characteristics. In the 17th century, it was named "Ebru" by the Turkish people. In 2014, Ebru was officially put on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

△ Artwork Title: "Rotating Ascetic"

Artwork Description: As the ascetic chants and dances, the Ebru painter skillfully delineates the flowing beauty in shades of black, white, and gray, capturing the weight of oil painting and the agility of ink painting.

In this exhibition, you will have the opportunity to closely appreciate numerous rare artistic masterpieces. They are not just highly skilled artworks but also bridges connecting the past and the present, serving as messengers between China and Turkiye.

△ Artwork Title: "Tulip"

Artwork Description: Deep red tulips float on the water's surface, with the blossoms unfolding and the water flowing, showcasing dynamic vitality.

This exhibition not only offers the residents of Shanghai an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Ebru art but also helps visitors to have a deeper understanding of Turkish culture. Whether you are an art enthusiast or curious about Turkish culture, this is an exhibition you should visit.

Step into the Shanghai Qingpu Museum and embark on an art journey full of exotic charm and experience the allure of Ebru art.

 

Selected Artworks from the Ebru art exhibition

△ Artwork Title: "Süleymaniye Mosque"

Artwork Description: Under the dreamlike pink sky, the Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Istanbul, bathes in warm light, quietly narrating the glorious history of the Ottoman Empire. The painting cleverly incorporates the cityscape of Karakoy, with the well-arranged distant buildings and pedestrians on nearby streets, displaying a unique charm through the delicate Ebru depiction.

△ Artwork Title: "Misty View of Trees"

Artwork Description: The intertwining of light green leaves and dark brown branches at the center of the painting creates a distant and serene scene, where the mountains flow seamlessly into the sky, painting a picture of tranquility and serenity.

△ Artwork Title: "Solitary Bird"

Artwork Description: A brightly colored bird proudly stands in the center of the painting, with orange and black feathers adorned with blue spots, exuding a mysterious, lively presence. The white and gray lines intertwine and flow, giving the painting a dynamic rhythm.

△ Artwork Title: "Miniature Portrait of a Woman - II"

Artwork Description: A woman sits atop the desert, her hands gently touching her head, with a focused expression, seemingly contemplating or praying. The delicate brushstrokes of Ebru art depict the sky with a subtle gradient of light yellow and orange, blending harmoniously with the desert background.

△ Artwork Title: "Wanderer"

Artwork Description: Clad in traditional attire, the wanderer sits calmly on horseback, leisurely taking in the scenery. The contours of distant mountains emerge, and the scattered vegetation creates a fresh and harmonious background.

Exhibition Dates: April 12 - May 12, no appointment necessary

Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am - 4:30 pm (entry stops at 4 pm); Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)

Address: No 1000 South Huaqing Road, Qingpu district

 

Source: "qptour" WeChat account