Chinese Idiom Ex Libris Exhibition Opens in Shanghai

An exhibition of ex libris works featuring Chinese idiom stories by artist Jin Dapeng will run from Feb. 6 to 22 at the Shanghai Foreign Language Bookstore.

Titled "Wisdom in Miniature," the exhibition explores the fusion of ex libris–a graphic art form originating in the West–with themes drawn from traditional Chinese narratives.

Idioms, or chengyu , are fixed expressions rooted in historical tales and classical literature, often reflecting traditional values and philosophies. In this series, Jin presents a collection of bookplates that visually interpret these selected stories, applying Chinese cultural elements within the compact format.

Born in Shanghai in 1955, Jin graduated from the Printmaking Department of the China Academy of Art. He began studying drawing at an early age and later focused on printmaking, dedicating years to the creation of ex libris.

Ex libris, or bookplates, emerged in mid-15th-century Germany as ownership marks for books, often bearing family crests. The practice spread across Europe and eventually reached the Americas and Asia by the 19th century, evolving in style and theme.

The art form was introduced to China from Japan in the 1930s. Chinese printmakers, including artists associated with the Modern Woodcut Movement organized by Li Hua and promoted by Lu Xun, subsequently adopted and developed the form.

The exhibition is presented in English at the foreign-language bookstore to make the content more accessible to international visitors and readers, Jin said.

Venue: Shanghai Foreign Language Bookstore

上海外文书店

Address: 390 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu District

黄浦区福州路390号