The history of Chinese art is chiefly a history of painting. That’s because in China, painting has always been regarded as supreme—the only visual art form pure and lyrical enough to stand on an equal footing with poetry and contemplative thought.

In traditional Chinese culture, paintings provided pleasure for the eye and, more significantly, an opportunity for learning and spiritual cultivation. The viewing of paintings was considered a participatory activity, a “noble pursuit” to be shared in the company of others. Such an approach—possible here, in a public art museum—suggests that the value and meaning of these artworks do not derive from their material worth alone, but from contemplation and discussion among viewers.