A total of 56 ancient Chinese artifacts have been returned to China from Italy, marking a significant achievement in the preservation of cultural heritage. The repatriation was a result of joint efforts under a bilateral agreement between China and Italy aimed at preventing the illicit import, export, and transfer of cultural property.
In October 2022 and April 2023, Italian authorities seized three and 53 suspected Chinese cultural relics, respectively. After thorough expert evaluations and legal assessments, China formally requested their return through diplomatic channels. Italy agreed, and all 56 artifacts have now been repatriated.
Experts have identified the artifacts as originating primarily from the Chinese provinces of Gansu, Qinghai, and Shaanxi. Among the returned items are Neolithic painted pottery pieces from the Majiayao culture, which are invaluable for studying the origins and early development of Chinese civilization. These artifacts hold immense historical, artistic, and scientific significance.
The successful return of these relics highlights China’s ongoing efforts to recover lost cultural treasures. In 2019, China established a dedicated office for the repatriation of cultural relics. To date, the country has entered into agreements with 27 nations—including Peru, Greece, Turkey, the United States, and Australia—to combat the theft and illegal export of cultural property. As of October 2023, China has successfully retrieved 2,113 artifacts across 48 batches.
This milestone underscores the importance of international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage and safeguarding shared human history. It serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect and cherish the cultural legacies that connect us all.
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56 Chinese cultural relics find their way home through joint efforts
cgtn.com
