An art exhibition celebrating the 55th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic relations opened on Wednesday in Rome.

The exhibition is guided by Chang Shana, a professor at the Academy of Arts & Design at Tsinghua University. It features over 200 works by more than 100 renowned contemporary Chinese calligraphers and painters, national-level inheritors of intangible cultural heritage and master artisans, alongside more than 100 treasured Italian artworks from the Museum of Civilizations in Italy.

The exhibits highlight both the uniqueness and commonalities of Chinese and Italian cultures, showcasing traditional Chinese art forms such as calligraphy and painting, cloisonne, bamboo carving, embroidery, Yun brocade, jade carving and paper cutting, as well as precious Italian cultural relics including traditional clothing, ceramics and bronze wares.

China Media Group President Shen Haixiong, Italian Minister of Education Giuseppe Valditara, Italian Football Federation President Gabriele Gravina, and Chinese Ambassador to Italy Jia Guide addressed the event. The event was attended by more than 200 prominent figures from the political, economic, cultural, artistic, media, educational, film and academic sectors of both China and Italy.

Shen said China and Italy are both great nations with ancient histories and brilliant cultures, and the exchange and mutual learning between their civilizations have never ceased. 

This jointly held art exhibition allows the cultural treasures of both countries to transcend time and illuminate each other, serving as a vivid expression of a grand "philosophy of time," he said. 

Art is not merely about technique and aesthetics – it is a bond of mutual understanding and shared beauty, a bridge that connects past and present, East and West, Shen added.

In recent years, Italy and China have witnessed vigorous and multi-dimensional cooperation in fields such as culture, education, sports, law and film, playing an irreplaceable role in deepening mutual understanding and friendly exchanges between the two peoples and in advancing bilateral relations, Valditara said.

The art exhibition held in Rome highlights the rich and diverse cultural resources and artistic treasures of both countries, sparking enthusiasm and admiration among the Chinese and Italian people for each other's historical and cultural heritage, he said.