An exhibition of Shen's embroidery works and paintings by Italian Jesuit artist Giuseppe Castiglione (1688-1766), was launched in Tangzha ancient town in Gangzha district, Nantong, May 1, and will end May 26. It is the first exhibition of its kind held in the city.

Castiglione, or Lang Shining, came to Beijing from Milan, Italy, in 1715 as a missionary and later served the royal court of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). He created many paintings depicting the major historical events and figures during that period, and also some bird-and-flower paintings.

He introduced forced perspective to China and became one of the initiators who brought modern Western painting techniques to the country.

Shen's embroidery was named after Shen Shou (1874-1921), a master of embroidery who successfully combined Western painting techniques and Chinese embroidery, and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008.

It was developed from Suzhou embroidery and integrates features of four famous embroideries in China: Suzhou, Hunan, Guangdong and Sichuan embroideries.

At the exhibition, visitors can learn about both Western painting techniques and traditional Chinese folk handicrafts.

Visitors appreciate Shen's embroidery works, and paintings by Italian Jesuit artist Giuseppe Castiglione in Gangzha district, Nantong. [Photo/ntfabu.com]