National-level cultural relic returns to China after 40-year journey overseas

A national-level cultural relic, a bronze vessel from the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC) known as the "Feng Xingshu Gui," arrived safely in Beijing under special escort on January 28, ending its 40-year journey overseas and returning to the embrace of China, the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) announced on February 7.

Unearthed in 1978 at an archaeological site in Famen Township of Baoji City, located in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, the "Feng Xingshu Gui" stands 18 centimeters tall with a diameter of 21 centimeters, with a girth of 12 centimeters, and weighing 6 kilograms. It features a large bowl adorned with double handles intricately designed in the shape of a coiled-nose animal face, supported by three animal-shaped feet. The craftsmanship of this artifact reflects the exceptional casting techniques characteristic of Western Zhou bronzeware. However, tragedy struck when it was stolen in November 1984 and lost overseas.

In January 2023, when the NCHA learned that the "Feng Xingshu Gui" had appeared in New York, the process of recovery was immediately initiated. The then-holder of the relic Raymond King and his mother agreed to unconditionally return the artifact to the Chinese government after learning about the story behind it.

In recognition of this noble act by Raymond King and his mother, and to showcase the achievements of cultural heritage protection cooperation between China and the United States, a repatriation ceremony for the return of the "Feng Xingshu Gui" was held at the Portland Art Museum in Oregon in January.

China‘s Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Li Qun expressed gratitude to Raymond King and his mother, as well as all relevant parties involved in facilitating the return: "Raymond King and his mother resolutely decided to do the right thing. They agreed to unconditionally return the artifact to the Chinese government, an act that is truly admirable."

The repatriation of the "Feng Xingshu Gui" is an example of concerted action by different countries to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property. It is also the result of 15 years of U.S.-China cooperation on cultural heritage protection, fostered by a memorandum of understanding first signed in 2009, he said.