China presented two mural paintings to the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts on Friday, a day before the opening of "Festival of China" on October 1.
   
The "Festival of China," an event jointly sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and the Kennedy Center, is the largest ever show of the Chinese culture and performing arts in the United States.
   
The two mural paintings are masterpieces of Chinese mural artist Sun Jingbo, director of the mural painting department of China's Central Academy of Fine Arts.
   
One of them, six meters in length and two meters in height, is inspired by the ancient Dunhuang fresco in the western Chinese province of Gansu. It portraits the dancing and instrument playing by half-god and half-man figures.
   
The other, four meters by two, is a copy of the calligraphy work by the most renowned ancient Chinese calligrapher Wang Xizhi of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 AD-420 AD).
   
Kennedy Center President Michael M. Kaiser said the mural paintings will be permanently displayed at the VIP restroom of the Eisenhower Theater, which will be renamed as the "Hall of China."
   
Chinese Culture Minister Sun Jiazheng said the Kennedy Center is the national performing arts center of the United States and the most famous artistic institute as well.
   
He expressed the hope that the festival could help American people better understand the Chinese culture and people.
   
The month-long "Festival of China" include 9 programs such as a Beijing Culture Week, performances by 13 Chinese troupes, exhibition of terra cotta, expo on outdoor installation and sculpture arts, as well as modern Chinese film show.

(Xinhua News Agency October 1, 2005)