The University of Melbourne has been gifted The Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings, a 232-volume series representing the most comprehensive published collection of early Chinese paintings in the world.
Developed over 20 years by Zhejiang University Press and the Zhejiang Provincial Administration of Cultural Heritage, the collection features reproductions of 12,405 works sourced from 263 museums, galleries and temple collections across China and internationally, including the National Gallery of Victoria.
The collection was formally accepted by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) Professor Michael Wesley and Dean of the Faculty of Arts Professor Jennifer Balint, following an offer made during a 2025 visit by Zhejiang University Vice President Professor Xiaoming Li.
A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings shown at the China Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition (La Biennale di Venezia), 2024. Picture: Supplied.
Professor Wesley said the collection will expand teaching and research opportunities for the University community.
"We are honoured by this generous gift, which demonstrates the enduring value of international partnership," Professor Wesley said.
"The arrival of The Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings is an exciting milestone in our relationship with China and Zhejiang University. This extraordinary resource will expand opportunities for our students and researchers, connecting them with the richness of Chinese culture and history.
"At a time when global partnerships are more important than ever, working with our Chinese partners allows us to address shared challenges, deepen cultural understanding, and drive research that benefits both nations."
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) Professor Michael Wesley with Vice President of Zhejiang University, Li Xiaoming, gifting the first book. Picture: Supplied.
Each painting is reproduced using advanced photographic and printing technologies, providing high-resolution images, with detailed catalogue information and transcriptions of written texts. Many of these works are rarely accessible due to their fragility and limited display.
Zhejiang University said the donation reflects the strong partnership with the University of Melbourne, including a Memorandum of Understanding and Student Exchange Agreement.
"Zhejiang University and the University of Melbourne have developed a long-standing partnership across student exchange, faculty development and academic research," a University spokesperson said.
"We hope A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings will serve as a bridge to further deepen our collaboration and promote cultural exchanges between China and Australia."
Night-Shining White, Tang Dynasty, Han Gan, 30.8 × 34.0 cm, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Picture: Supplied.
The collection will support teaching and research through a new Faculty of Arts learning centre for Asian arts and cultures. The centre will enable students and staff to engage directly with materials through object-based learning and close visual analysis.
Since 2019, the Art History and Curatorship Program at the University, the oldest and largest of its kind in Australia, has expanded its focus on Asian art across undergraduate and postgraduate study. The new collection will further support this growth, enhancing teaching and research as the program approaches its 80th anniversary in 2027.
