China has successfully regained 56 lost cultural relics from Italy, showcasing effective collaboration against illegal artifact trade. This follows a significant return of 796 relics in 2019 and is part of broader efforts that have seen over 2,100 artifacts repatriated in 12 years. The collection includes ancient pottery and figurines from various dynasties, emphasizing China’s rich cultural heritage.
In a remarkable display of cultural diplomacy, 56 previously lost Chinese relics have made their way back to their homeland from Italy, as announced by China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration on November 9, 2024. This retrieval comes as part of a larger effort to combat the illicit trade of cultural artifacts, showcasing the ongoing collaboration between China and Italy. Notably, this repatriation follows an impressive haul of 796 relics returned in March 2019, reflecting a fruitful bilateral agreement aimed at safeguarding cultural heritage. The journey of these artifacts began years ago when, during routine operations, the Italian Carabinieri military police uncovered the relics—predominantly hailing from historic regions of Gansu, Qinghai, and Shaanxi. With the meticulous expertise of the Chinese administration, detailed reports were swiftly conveyed to Italian authorities, firmly establishing the legal basis for their return. Diplomacy paved the way, leading Italy to affirm its decision to repatriate these invaluable pieces of history. Among the treasures returned is painted pottery from the Majiayao culture, dating back over 5,000 years, a testament to the rich tapestry of Chinese civilization’s origins. Also prominent within this collection are pottery figurines from the Han and Tang dynasties and ceramics from the Yuan dynasty, each artifact whispering tales of ancient Chinese life and artistry. In the grand narrative of cultural restoration, over 2,100 artifacts have been repatriated to China in recent years, a testament to the nation’s relentless pursuit of its lost heritage.
The repatriation of cultural relics is a significant issue for many nations, especially China, which has been actively working to reclaim artifacts taken during periods of foreign dominance or conflict. Following the illicit trade that plagued cultural heritage worldwide, bilateral agreements have emerged as vital frameworks for collaboration to prevent the illegal import and export of such treasured relics. The cooperation between China and Italy, two nations with deep historical connections, has set a precedent for international reparation efforts in safeguarding cultural heritage.
The return of these 56 Chinese cultural relics marks another significant step in the ongoing quest to restore national heritage. This achievement not only strengthens the cultural ties between China and Italy but also highlights China’s commitment to reclaiming its lost cultural legacy. With a vast number of artifacts recovered over the past decade, the narrative of restoration continues to unfold, bringing history back where it rightfully belongs.
Original Source: english.www.gov.cn
