Artist creates the most precious of depictions

"He drew these daily scenes not because he was touched and wanted to document them; his insightful views of society, nature, and all living things inspired people to think," Yi says.

Some of the paintings on show are from Feng's best-known collection, Husheng Huaji (Painting Albums for the Protection of Life), which was initiated by his schoolteacher, Li Shutong, who later converted to Buddhism and was also known as Master Hongyi (1880-1942). The two collaborated on the first two albums.

After Li died, Feng continued the project until he also passed away, leaving six albums in which several hundred drawings express compassion and benevolence for all life and a wish for peace.

He worked on them even when he became a refugee during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). He painted to celebrate the victory of the War of Resistance. A painting on display, dated 1945 and titled Used Shell as a Vase, depicts lotus flowers in a used bomb shell and two smiling figurine toys.