At dawn on Tuesday, Beijing time, China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration joyfully welcomed back 41 precious cultural and artistic artifacts from the U.S., returned by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in New York, as reported by CCTV News.
Among these treasures are a bronze money tree perched atop a ceramic base, a plain pottery tripod, a classic lidded bronze vessel, and a charming pottery figurine depicting a storyteller. The artifacts represented a colourful panorama of Chinese artistry, showcasing pottery, jade, bronze, Buddhist statues, portrait bricks, and Tibetan Buddhist relics.
Experts, having conducted initial analyses, concluded that these stunning creations date from the Neolithic era up to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), displaying remarkable craftsmanship and cultural significance. They were identified as illegally exported Chinese artifacts, underscoring their historical, artistic, and scientific value.
In November 2024, China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration was informed by the Chinese Consulate General in New York about the seizure of these artifacts during a criminal investigation. Promptly, the administration began authenticating the items, working hand in hand with the consulate and other U.S. agencies, leading to this successful repatriation.
The journey towards these artifacts’ return began on January 14, 2009, when China and the U.S. forged their initial intergovernmental memorandum of understanding to curb illicit entries of Chinese cultural relics. This agreement was revitalised in 2014, 2019, and 2024, prompting fruitful collaboration, with a total of 20 batches, comprising 594 items, repatriated from the U.S. to China since its inception.
China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration has reclaimed 41 cultural artifacts returned from the U.S. These items, spanning from the Neolithic period to the Qing Dynasty, were identified as illegally exported. This recovery is part of ongoing efforts between China and the U.S. to combat the illegal entry of cultural relics, marked by a series of intergovernmental agreements through the years.
The return of these 41 cultural artifacts signifies a monumental triumph in preserving China’s rich heritage. As the collaboration between China and the U.S. strengthens through their ongoing agreements, it reflects a commitment to thwart illegal trafficking and ensures the safety of invaluable cultural treasures. This successful repatriation not only enriches China’s historical narrative but also fosters international cultural cooperation.
Original Source: www.ecns.cn
