By Omonu YG Nelson
The Chinese Embassy and China Cultural Centre in Nigeria has hosted an event titled “Lanting Collection: Narrate China-Nigeria Friendship Through Calligraphy”.
The event which took place at the China Cultural Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, April 18, 2024 is aimed to promote cultural exchange and strengthen the bond between the two countries.
Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, delivered a speech at the event. He highlighted the long history and rich tradition of Chinese calligraphy, and its significance in Chinese culture.
“In China’s splendid traditional culture, calligraphy and painting have always been loved by people, passed down from generation to generation,” Li Xuda said. “We hope each of you enjoy the event, have a good time this afternoon!”
In a goodwill message, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, James Sule, represented by the Director of Cultural Industry and Heritage, Revrd Anabah, highlighted the long history of Chinese calligraphy and its significance in Chinese culture.
“China is known for her calligraphy writing that stands for hundreds of years,” Oon said. “The Lanting Xu is a piece of Chinese calligraphy work generally considered to be written by the well-known calligrapher Wang Xizhi (303-361) from the East Jin Dynasty (317-420).”
Sule also expressed hope that the event would further strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
“It is pertinent to note that having a Chinese Calligraphy Culture in Nigeria is liken to G5 technology and it will be a great achievement whereby making it a tourist hub of the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria where scholars and lovers of Chinese Character can come and learn the pattern of writing,” he said.