Huang Jiajun, 33, traveled from Shanghai to Beijing for the exhibition. He says he first heard about Morandi when the Chinese TV series The Story of Yanxi Palace became a hit in 2018. The producer of the drama chose gray as the main color for the costumes of actors and actresses.

"The drama can be easily separated from other period dramas, and its unique color tone makes it look elegant and luxurious at the same time, "Huang says, adding that he even painted the walls of his house in "Morandi's style of gray".

"I didn't know much about the artist before, but now I'm more than happy to learn when the chance comes."

Lin Yijia, 26, from Beijing, says: "I used to consider Morandi just a master of still life with a peaceful mind, but the exhibition has shown me more－the avant-garde trends he caught, the repeated portrayal of bottles, the scenery he enjoyed … I feel like I know him much better."

The Morandi family sent a letter to M Woods museum for the show.

"To China, Morandi is playing the role of Marco Polo in the 21st century. But this time, it's his art traveling to the East from the West… Morandi's artistic achievements truly connect the East and the West and unite the two together with shared values such as respect for the environment, responsibility, unity, creativity and innovation."

Contact the writer at xuhaoyu@chinadaily.com.cn