Learning from the past to guide the future

In 2019, Yuyao cooperated with the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, the country's first collaborative institution partnered with an overseas university, to establish the Centre for Yangming Cultural Research and Practice. Yangming culture is integrated into the university's Product Design and Manufacturing course. Students are required to design artworks featuring Yangming culture, which were displayed at an annual exhibition at Wang's former residence.

Thirteen oil-paper umbrellas were also on display at the May exhibition.

"The exhibits are the result of the integration of traditional Chinese culture and undergraduate teaching," said Wu Tao, dean of the university's Faculty of Science and Engineering at the opening ceremony of the exhibition. "They showcase the exploration and reflection of Wang's philosophy by the students. It's also a practice of his doctrine of the 'unity of knowing and acting'."

The umbrella named Calligraphy Lotus, designed by Li Jiayi, was named the "Most Popular Work" at the exhibition. Its cover features a lotus pattern that turns black when in contact with rain.

The removable point of the umbrella can be replaced by a brush head, transforming it into a large ink brush.

Li Jiayi says that she was inspired by Wang's thought that self-reflection is like a clear spring that can refresh one's mind.

"According to Wang's philosophy, we should stay sane and kind like lotus flowers in good and bad times," she says.