The entrance to the exhibition. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

The National Museum of China inaugurated the Bridging Eras – The Copper Art of Zhu Bingren through Eight Decades exhibit on July 16.

The event, which took over 300 days to prepare, showcases the work of Zhu Bingren, a master copper sculptor and a national intangible cultural heritage inheritor from Hangzhou. The exhibition represents a convergence of modern copper-melting techniques with ancient bronze civilization.

Upon entering, visitors encounter a dialogue between ancient and modern copper art: bronze artifacts from the museum's collection on the right and contemporary copper sculptures echoing traditional designs on the left. This theme of blending old and new runs throughout the exhibit.

Visitors take a close look at the Houmuwu Tripod created by Zhu. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

The exhibition is divided into four sections: Traditional Innovation, Mastery of Copper, Skillful Copper Carving, and Artistic Innovation. Many of the pieces are modern interpretations of traditional techniques. One highlight is the large copper installation Yellow River, which captures the dynamic flow of the river by transforming molten copper into solid form.

Sunflowers. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

A standout piece resembling Van Gogh's Sunflowers is also drawing significant attention. The three-dimensional artwork, inspired by Bart, the director of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, appears to leap from its frame.

The exhibition, co-organized by the National Museum of China, the Chinese Academy of Arts, the China National Arts and Crafts Society, and the Zhejiang Federation of Literary and Art Circles, will run until October.

Zhu Bingren. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]