A lacquer painting by Qiao Shiguang. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Hailed as "the father of modern Chinese lacquer art", 80-year-old Qiao Shiguang breathes new life to the country's long-standing tradition of lacquer painting. He applies eggshell chips to demonstrate the tranquil beauty of southern China. He uses gold and silver pigments in glittering scenes of sunset across the country. The lacquer paints under his brushes presents the depth of Eastern aesthetics.

Qiao's many lacquer paintings and ink-brush paintings are now on show at the National Museum of China in Beijing through March 19.

Titled Glories of Lacquer Art, the exhibition shows landscapes and figures. Many paintings show Qiao's love of Wu Guanzhong's works, in which the simple lines and blocks influence Qiao's creation. It also shows his exploration with an abstract style.