13–21 September 2025 | London Design Festival
Location:
32 Connaught Street, London W2 2AF
Opening Hours:
Mon–Sat 10 AM – 6 PM | Sun 11 AM – 5 PM
Free Admission
Presented for the first time in the UK, Traces of Quiet Devotion showcases the centuries-old art of Yangzhou woodblock printing. The exhibition features hand-carved Buddhist illustrations, sacred texts, and classical motifs—each created using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Rooted in Yangzhou’s rich printing history, the works of master artisan Shen Shuhua and his apprentice Peng Lei offer a rare glimpse into a meditative craft that bridges faith, artistry, and cultural heritage.
Hosted by GOSESUMMER, a platform dedicated to Chinese intangible cultural heritage, the exhibition invites visitors to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the human touch behind sacred imagery and sustainable craftsmanship.
What will we present
Come visit our exhibition space and discover more
Four-Armed Avalokiteśvara
This woodblock print is a reproduction of a Ming dynasty image of the Four-Armed Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin), shown seated in lotus position with symbolic gestures and objects representing compassion and wisdom.
Printed in cinnabar ink on xuan paper using traditional techniques, the work preserves fine details and balance. Mounted as a hanging scroll, it reflects both devotional meaning and artistic craftsmanship.
The Heart Sutra
A key text in Mahāyāna Buddhism, known for the line: “Form is emptiness; emptiness is form.”
This replica is based on a Tang dynasty manuscript found in Dunhuang’s Library Cave, now housed in the National Library of China.
Printed using traditional woodblock techniques, it reflects the elegance and spiritual depth of early Buddhist scripture.
Picture of Four Beauties
A reproduction of the earliest known Chinese New Year woodblock print, originally from the Southern Song dynasty and discovered in Khara-Khoto.
It features four famous historical women, depicted with elegance and flowing lines. The original is credited to the Ji family of Pingyang and is now housed in the Hermitage Museum.