China to host first major cultural relic exhibition in Saudi Arabia

World
Europe

An exhibition about Chinese civilization will be held in Saudi Arabia from September 13 to November 23.

"Treasures of China" marks the first major cultural relic exhibition China will host in Saudi Arabia, according to Art Exhibitions China (AEC), which will jointly hold the event with the National Museum in Riyadh.

The display includes 264 items provided by 13 museums and cultural institutions such as the Palace Museum, among which 173 are Chinese cultural relics. Nearly half of the items are being exhibited overseas for the first time.

Tri-colored glazed camel of the Tang Dynasty. /Photo courtesy of sach.gov.cn

Antiquities unearthed from China-Saudi Arabia joint archaeological excavations will also be on display. The joint archaeological project started during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Saudi Arabia in January 2016. Since then dozens of cultural relics have been discovered, reviving the history of Islamic civilization and the ancient Silk Road.

The exhibition consists of five sections in chronological order: "Beginning of Civilization, Establishments of Etiquette," "the Unification, Consolidation and Development," "Prosperities and Diversified Communication," "Start-up of Business and Marine Trade," as well as "Palace and Royal Art."

"We aim to adequately present the beginning, growth, and succession of Chinese civilization, as well as its diversity and inclusiveness," the AEC said.

A blue and white porcelain box with Arabic inscriptions. /Photo courtesy of sach.gov.cn

According to the State Administration of Cultural Heritage of China, the upcoming exhibition is a return visit to "Roads of Arabia: Archaeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia," a three-month exhibition at the National Museum of China from December 2016 to March 2017.

(Cover: Jade clothes sewn with gold thread of the Han Dynasty. /Photo courtesy of sach.gov.cn)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency