An exhibition of Chinese ink and wash paintings made its debut in the UN headquarters in New York on Monday night as part of a series of events marking the 7th UN Public Service Day which falls on Tuesday.

China's Permanent Representative to the UN Zhang Yesui said at the opening reception that Chinese calligraphy and painting is not only the cream of traditional Chinese culture and arts, but also a unique component of the Chinese civilization.

On display are the works which vividly depict the beautiful landscapes, and the ethnic and social traditions and customs in China, he said.

"These works will help people in the United Nations to have a better understanding of China, and will also open a window of friendship for the cultural exchanges between the people in China and the rest of the world," Zhang said.

Sha Zukang, under-secretary-general of the UN, said the extraordinary images in the exhibition are "indeed much stronger vehicles of expression than plain words."

"By letting the light of art shine through the policy making world, we can boost the spirit of public service," Sha said. "In all this, art can be not only useful but essential in better serving citizens."

According to China International Cultural Communication Center, the sponsor, the exhibition displays over 120 paintings of some 30 well-known contemporary Chinese artists, including Han Meilin,

the designer of the mascot Fuwa of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Ink and wash painting is an East Asian type of brush painting also known by its Chinese name shui-mo hua. First developed in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), the art was later introduced to the Korean Peninsula and Japan in the mid-14th century.

In most cases, only black ink -- the same as used in East Asian calligraphy -- is used, in various concentrations.

(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2009)