The fantastic four monks

An ongoing exhibition in the Hall of Martial Valor at Beijing's Palace Museum showcases paintings and calligraphic works by Hongren, Kuncan, Bada Shanren and Shitao, also known as "the Four Monks" in Chinese fine-art history.[Photo by Jiang Dong and Wang Kaihao / China Daily]

Qing Dynasty emperors had little interest in the Four Monks' works, Wang says. All the 200 paintings by the four, which are now housed in the museum, were bought or collected after the founding of New China in 1949.

Sun Miao, who is in charge of the art design of the exhibition, says that this event is also an attempt by the museum to create a different experience for visitors.

"We've introduced many things from modern art galleries for this exhibition," he says.

"This is to better show the monks' spiritual world."

A miniature Buddhist meditation room has been created in the center of the Hall of Martial Valor. And the tone of the hall is set in a dark color to coordinate with the simple and elegant style of the displays.

Some display boards are made of traditional rice paper.

Stones and the old Chinese guqin (zither) decorate the space.

The corners of the hall are dotted with bonsai - not real trees but jade sculptures from Qing collections.

"We wanted to make this space a garden with a strong literati atmosphere," says Sun.