The Liaoning Provincial Museum launched its annual special exhibition Smile: Imprints of the Chinese Spirit in Cultural Relics on July 26. The exhibition brings together over 300 artifacts from nearly 40 museums and cultural institutions across China, ranging from unadorned ancestral statues in the Neolithic Age to paintings and sculptures depicting scenes of happiness in the modern era. Following the upward curves of the lips on these artifacts, visitors can unlock the spiritual codes rooted in Chinese civilization.

Chronologically organized and threaded by spiritual essence, the exhibition is divided into five chapters, unfolding layer upon layer the imagery of Chinese smiles. From primitive pottery sculptures in remote antiquity to vibrant storytelling and singing figurines of the Han Dynasty; from serene Buddhist grotto statues to free-spirited literati calligraphy and painting works, it ultimately looks back to contemporary life. Across thousands of years, the Chinese people’s enthusiasm for life, their adherence to goodwill, and their inclusiveness of the world have remained consistent and unchanged.