Australia returns Chinese cultural objects and fossil to China

A total of four Chinese cultural objects and one fossil were returned from Australia to China during an official handover ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in Canberra on Oct. 25, 2023.

The Handover Ceremony for Repatriation of Chinese Cultural Objects is held in Canberra, the capital of Australia, on Oct. 25, 2023. (Photo/Zhengzheng Huang)

The repatriated items include a painted pottery rider figure dating back to the Northern Wei to Tang Dynasty period, a gilt-bronze standing Buddha statue originating from the late Sui Dynasty to Tang Dynasty, a wine vessel (Zun) potentially from the Ming and Qing Dynasties or modern times, and a Qing Dynasty hairpin. Additionally, a fossil of a marine reptile from the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous period was also included in the return.

Four Chinese cultural objects and one fossil are displayed at the Handover Ceremony for Repatriation of Chinese Cultural Objects in Canberra, the capital of Australia, Oct. 25, 2023. (Photo/Zhengzheng Huang)

The painted pottery rider figure, the gilt-bronze standing Buddha statue, and the fossil were intercepted by the Australian Office for the Arts during customs inspections. The wine vessel and hairpin were donated by the National Gallery of Australia and an Australian citizen, John MacDonald, respectively.

This historic event marks the first return of cultural relics from the National Gallery of Australia to China since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian, speaking at the ceremony, emphasized that the repatriation of Chinese cultural objects underscores the two nations’ collective and unwavering dedication to safeguarding cultural heritage. It also reflects the friendly exchanges and communication between the two countries and their peoples in the cultural and art sectors.

Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian delivers a speech at the Handover Ceremony for Repatriation of Chinese Cultural Objects in Canberra, the capital of Australia, Oct. 25, 2023. (Photo/Zhengzheng Huang)

Tony Burke, Australian minister for the arts, stated that Australia holds a strong stance on stolen cultural artifacts and is committed to adhering to international museum standards to facilitate their return to their country of origin.

Tony Burke, Australian minister for the arts, delivers a speech at the Handover Ceremony for Repatriation of Chinese Cultural Objects in Canberra, the capital of Australia, Oct. 25, 2023. (Photo/Zhengzheng Huang)

Nick Mitzevich, director of the National Gallery of Australia, expressed that the gallery's donation of this cultural relic to the Chinese government reflects a deep respect for artifacts and enhances mutual understanding of the significant value of cultural heritage.

China and Australia signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the Protection of Cultural Relics between the State Administration of Cultural Heritage of the People's Republic of China and the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts of Australia in 2009.

This event signifies another successful collaboration in the field of repatriation of lost cultural relics between China and Australia, following the return of a "Qing Dynasty Guanyin Statue" by Australia to China in 2015. This also marks the first occasion where the National Gallery of Australia and an Australian citizen have donated cultural relics and artworks to China.