On April 25th, the Asian Mask—Portugal Oriental Museum Collection Exhibition was held in World Art Gallery of China Millennium Monument. It is possible that the foreigners who learn Chinese in China know that it was jointly organized by China foreign cultural exchange association, China’s foreign cultural group and Portugal Eastern Foundation as well as Portugal Oriental Museum. It is said that the 235 pieces of masks in this exhibition are all the collections in Portugal Oriental Museum.

All of the collections are the essence of the oriental cultural relics. Originally, those masks expressed the themes of religion and folk customs but then were widely used in a variety of dances and dramas. Of course, the masks are different in aesthetics and applications from different countries such as China, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, North Korea, Korea and Japan. By using the materials like wood, paper, cloth, metal and plastic as well as peacock feathers, the folk artists could make the masks with delicate skill and flexibility.

In the process of historic evolution, they gradually became the compounds of myths, religions and civil etiquettes, showing different cultural connotation and national features. Of course, the foreign learners who study Mandarin in China may be told that it indicates the psychological trait and spirit pray of different nations in oriental in a certain degree. Since China foreign cultural exchange association established the cooperative relation with Portugal Eastern Foundation in 1998, both sides have made great contribution to promote the cultural exchanges between each other.

Began in 2005, both sides have signed three cultural exchanges agreements continuously. At the same time, a series of folk exchange activities between China and Portugal were held, including sending delegation for visit, art troupes for performing and exhibitions holding. Some students who learn Chinese in China may be told that this exhibition held in Beijing is to implement the projects in cultural cooperation agreements from 2011 to 2013. These activities play an active role in deepening friendly relations between the two sides and promoting understanding and friendship between the peoples of China Portugal.

Many important leaders attended to the opening ceremony of this exhibition such as Dong Junxin, the vice chairman of China foreign cultural exchange association, Portugal‘s Ambassador to China and member of board of directors of Portugal Eastern Foundation and so on. The foreign students who are interested when they study Chinese in China can go for it because it will last to May 6th.