The exhibition itself is encouraging, as it demonstrates China’s determination to take back the treasures lost to smugglers and overseas art markets. Yet, the exhibits are simply a tiny part of those taken out of China ever since the opium war in 1840. According to statistics released from the UNESCO, about 1.67 million pieces of Chinese relics have been collected by two hundred museums across 47 countries, and those in the hands of individuals or unofficial organizations overseas might be ten times this number.
Taking all of them back home seems a daunting and almost-mission-impossible task though, China has attached great importance to the project. Cai Wu, Minister of Culture, attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition and awarded those who contributed a lot to help Chinese treasures returning home. Shan Jilin, Director of National Relics Bureau, said it’s agreed globally that cultural relic smuggling should be cracked down and efforts should be done to return relics to the home country. According to Shan, China has signed bilateral agreements with Peru, India, Italy, Philippines, Greece, Chile and Cyprus to prevent cultural relics from being stolen and smuggled.
And for the future lets hope with increasing attention being paid to this black market that more cultural artifacts make their way home and can be appreciated by their native citizens and other interested parties.
By Dong Jirong
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