The art of bookplate

The XXXII International Exlibris Congress greets visitors with exquisite examples of the ancient art form.

On display are 831 works, selected from 1,050 candidates from 42 countries and regions.

Exhibits include copperplate, lithograph, woodprint and other engraving genres which were created during the past three years.

The Gold Prize went to a work (pictured) by Bulgarian artist Julian Jordanov.

"My inspiration comes from an ancient legend," said a delighted Jordanov after receiving the award. "The story about a king and a princess forms an aesthetic flow of art."

Many Chinese artists also took part in the event, including Silver Prize winner Wu Bin.

Visitors find the label Ex Libris, Latin for bookplate, on each exhibit.

Ex Libris traces its origins to the 15th Century in Western countries. It is a decorative painting pasted on the flyleaf of a book by the owner to mark his collection.

Held since 1953, this year's biennial event is sponsored by the committee of the Third China Beijing International Cultural & Creative Industry Expo, the Beijing World Art Museum and others.

9 am-5 pm, today

Beijing World Art Museum, China Millennium Monument, A9 Fuxinglu, Haidian district

5980-2222