When it comes to the achievements of Chinese ink art in the 20th century, most people think of such big names as Qi Baishi, Fu Baoshi and Zhang Daqian.

But many other artists who made contributions to Chinese ink art have largely been overlooked. A number of lesser-known ink artists have been rediscovered by academics and the brilliance of their works are drawing attention.

Zhou Lunyuan (1899-1988) is just one example.

In December 2011, Zhou's family members donated 162 of Zhou's best works to the National Museum of China. An exhibition featuring part of the donation and some of his ink sketches is being held and opens for public viewing until Oct 28 at the museum. It is free.

Art critics marvel at his imposing portrayals of natural scenes in southern provinces as well as ethnic and Han farmers engaged in socialist construction in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

"Zhou's art impressed me very much. He did a wonderful job of recording the dramatic changes of his time - in a very personal manner," master ink painter Li Kuchan comments.

9 am-5 pm, closed on Mondays and public holidays, until Oct 28. National Museum of China, 16 East Chang'an Dajie, Dongcheng district, Beijing. 010-6511-6400.

Related: PLA oil paintings