Chinese painting and calligraphic art enjoy a long history. Both were derived from primitive symbols, nourished by Chinese civilization, executed with the same tools, i.e., brush pen, ink, paper, and inkstone, and both were created using lines and strokes as the basic elements. Chinese painting and calligraphy both strive for brilliant brushwork and lyric aesthetics. Although they developed into two independent art forms - calligraphy emphasizing emotional release, and painting focusing on sketching likenesses - for millennia there was mutual interplay and development. Through constant interaction, the two arts complemented and enhanced each other such that they were popularly employed in other traditional arts, 

and continue to thrive even today. With their long history, unique presentation and aesthetics, Chinese painting and calligraphy have played an indispensable role in the fine arts.  The Palace Museum\'s rich and comprehensive holdings of traditional Chinese calligraphy and paintings encompass not only extremely rare early masterpieces but also representative works from every historical period. These art works help in understanding the history of traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting. Here, the Palace Museum presents a selection of the finest works in order to introduce visitors to the classics, to share the sophistication of the works, and to reveal the profundity of Chinese culture.