The Return of Ancient Artifacts

The Return of Ancient Artifacts

This week, there will be a massive event in Beijing to showcase more than 700 Chinese cultural artifacts returned in March by Italian authorities at the National Museum of China in what has been the longest case of China tracking lost antiquities.

Photo: Artsy

The returned artifacts are well-preserved and in good condition as they were originally to be sold in Italy. As cultural superpowers, and the two countries have the highest number of UNESCO heritage sites, and have made bast efforts to preserve their culture.  Items in the cache range from around 3,000 BCE to the early 20th century and includes significant artifacts like a Neolithic-era clay pot related to the ancient Majiayao culture, Song dynasty porcelain, and pottery from the Han, Tang, and Ming dynasties. 

Photo: Global Times

Italy, however, is not the only country that has returned lost relics. The United States has also returned 391 cultural relics and are planning to hold a joint exhibition of repatriated cultural relics. Thankfully, there is no bad blood between the two countries as they will be working with the UNESCO World Heritage Convention to launch collaborative programs with the aim of enhancing exchanges in good practice, protection, promotion for cross-border asset protection.

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We hope you enjoyed learning about how Italy and China are facilitating The Return of Ancient Artifacts! Do you think Italy and China will be able to continue building a communal cultural relationship? Join the conversation below!