Exhibition unveils Victor Hugo's Chinese connection

A special exhibition featuring art works collected and created by famous French writer Victor Hugo got underway on Sept 20 at Guangzhou Lecture House for Farmer Movement, running until Nov 19.

The artworks offer visitors a chance to gain a better understanding of the romantic literature icon and his special enthusiasm for Chinese culture.

Visitors admire the works of Victor Hugo at Guangzhou Lecture House for Farmer Movement. [Photo/ycwb.com]

Although he had never been to China, Victor made acquaintance with tea merchants from Guangzhou and showed great interest in Chinese culture while with them. He created a range of paintings under the theme of Chinese culture and collected many ceramic wares for his special room he called a "China-styled parlor".

Highlights of the exhibition include eight sets of ceramic wares preserved from Victor Hugo's house and a letter written by Victor in which he denounces indignantly the killing and pillaging at Yuanmingyuan, the old Summer Palace, in 1860.    

Moreover, translations of Victor's works by famous Chinese writers like Lu Xun, Mao Dun and eminent socialist Chen Duxiu are also on display at the exhibition.

The exhibits include eight ceramic wares collected by Victor Hugo and put on display in China for the first time. [Photo/ycwb.com]

One highlight of the exhibition is a hand-written letter by Victor Hugo in which he denounces the atrocities in Yuanmingyuan. [Photo/gzdaily.dayoo.com]