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On Oct 20, a traditional apprentice ceremony concluded in a studio located beside the ancient Grand Canal in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province. Alanoud Ebraheem AlSabah, a royal member from Sabah family in Kuwait, gracefully presented a cup of tea to Liu Nanping, the former director of the Yangzhou Chinese Painting Academy.
Alanoud offers a cup of tea to Liu Nanping in a studio alongside the ancient Grand Canal in Yangzhou on Oct 20. [Photo/yznews.cn]
Alanoud has had a love for Chinese culture for decades. While studying Chinese language and literature at prestigious universities in Europe, she was enchanted by the elegance of traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting.
Guided by her teachers, she produced numerous Chinese ink paintings depicting mostly mountains. Determined to refine her skills, she contacted the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the State of Kuwait, which recommended Liu as her mentor.
Liu Nanping teaches calligraphy to Alanoud. [Photo/yznews.cn]
During the ceremony, Alanoud was presented with an apprentice contract by Liu, who expressed appreciation of her passionate love for Chinese calligraphy and excitement for her ongoing efforts to promote cultural exchange between China and Kuwait.
After reviewing calligraphy works by Alanoud featuring her favorite Chinese character, guang, meaning light, and the combination of characters zi and qiang, symbolizing self-independence, Liu offered advice on enhancing her calligraphy skills, with a focus on stroke techniques and structural elements.
Finally, Liu gave Alanoud his art album and calligraphy practice sheets, both wrapped up in exquisite letters adorned with elegant patterns crafted through Chinese woodblock printing, while Alanoud gifted Liu delicious Kuwaiti snacks, a set of Arabic calligraphy tools, and calligraphy practice sheets from a renowned Kuwaiti master.
Alanoud talks with Liu Nanping on a sightseeing boat on Slender West Lake. [Photo/yznews.cn]
From Oct 20 to 21, Alanoud, accompanied by Liu, toured Yangzhou's iconic spots, including Slender West Lake, Daming Temple and Geyuan Garden. She praised Yangzhou for its romantic and enchanting aura, which makes it a perfect place for anyone seeking some artistic inspiration.