The lingering charm of Chinese antiques is not only derived from the dexterity of a variety of handicrafts. The objects also reflect how their users in ancient times viewed the relationship between humans and nature, as well as how they lived a cultured and elegant life to achieve harmony with the world.

In this regard, SALS, a cultural institution in Beijing, has created an artistic and serene living atmosphere at its exhibition space at this year's Guardian Fine Art Asia Expo, running from Oct 28 to Nov 1 at Guardian Art Center in Beijing.

On show are objects of antiquity and contemporary designs inspired by the forms, color schemes and philosophies of ancient Chinese works of art.

Xiu Zhe, founder of SALS and a designer in his own right, says the works on display present the brilliance of color arrangements that distinguishes ancient Chinese arts and crafts, the beauty of which is even enhanced by the appearance of red, orange, brown and green rust accumulated over centuries.

He says the exhibition also conveys the core values of aesthetics, literature and Buddhism held dear to the ancient Chinese, which have been inherited by modern designers to connect the past and present in their works.