Australia Returns Two Ancient Chinese Stone Heads After 30 Years Abroad
Australia returns two Northern Song dynasty stone heads to China after more than 30 years abroad, following their time at the National Gallery.
Australia has returned two stone sculptures to China after more than 30 years abroad.
The sculptures had been given to the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra by a private collector in the 1990s.
That was a period when art theft was rife in China, according to the source.
The statues show the heads of a military official and a civil servant.
They date back to the Northern Song dynasty, which lasted from 960 to 1127.
China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration received the heads on Wednesday, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The return brings the sculptures back to China after their long period abroad and follows their time in the collection of Australia’s national gallery.
The handover also highlights the history surrounding cultural objects given to overseas institutions during the 1990s, when art theft was rife in China.
Source: South China Morning Post
Frequently asked questions
What did Australia return to China?
Australia returned two ancient stone sculptures showing the heads of a military official and a civil servant.
How long had the sculptures been abroad?
The sculptures had been abroad for more than 30 years.
Where were the sculptures held before their return?
A private collector gave the sculptures to the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra in the 1990s.
Which period do the stone heads date back to?
The stone heads date back to the Northern Song dynasty, which lasted from 960 to 1127.
Who received the returned sculptures in China?
China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration received the sculptures on Wednesday.
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