Song lyrics in paintings showcased in Shanghai

For the translation of the Song lyrics, the chanting poems include delightful rhymes and rhythms. Xu Yuanchong (1921-2021) was engaged in literary translation for over 80 years, covering Chinese, English, and French. His work focuses on the English translation of ancient Chinese poetry, forming methods and theories for translating in rhyme. Xu is well known as the foremost practitioner of Chinese-English-French poetry translation.

In August, the exhibition recruited primary school, middle school and high school students to carry out classroom sessions and parent-child education interactions aimed at strengthening their appreciation of song lyrics and aesthetic forms through live recitation, appraisal and interpretation, as well as introducing the poets' biographies and Song Dynasty history.

The exhibition also demonstrates the essentials of Chinese ink-painting as it was understood and practised by the poets, painters and translator because the poems and paintings are perfectly complementary.