In Beijing, the Palace Museum housed in the Forbidden City is known for its incredible collection of traditional Chinese artwork. But now, admirers can appreciate some of these treasures without going to the renowned establishment. That's thanks to the museum releasing a series of calligraphy albums.

The series is titled "Calligraphy Works from the Dynastic Past Housed in the Palace Museum". It comes in a total of fifty volumes. The series features the images of calligraphy works created from the Jin Dynasty in the 4th century to the late Qing Dynasty, some one hundred years ago. Among the artists featured are such prominent figures as Wang Xizhi and Mi Fu.

Jin Yunchang, a researcher from the Palace Museum, said, "The series is distinct from all other publications of a similar nature. Each calligraphy work comes with the commentaries and seals of its owners. It provides a timeline of how the artwork survived through the centuries."

Aside from high quality images, the series also provides insightful information. This includes a biography of the calligraphers and the relevant social and political circumstances. According to the publisher -- the Forbidden City Publishing House -- the series will soon be followed by another series of historic tablet rubbings.

(CCTV March 27, 2009)