Long-lost ancient Chinese silk manuscripts returned to Changsha

Rao Quan, head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, stated at the accession ceremony in Changsha that the return of the manuscripts is a significant achievement resulting from years of Sino-US cultural and museum cooperation, setting an example for international collaboration in artifact restitution.

Chase Robinson, director of the US museum, said the transfer demonstrates the museum's firm commitment to preserving cultural heritage and continuing its long-standing tradition of collaboration with Chinese cultural institutions.

The manuscripts underwent a 14-day environmental adaptation period after arriving at the Hunan Museum last month and are now preserved in a stable environment with precise temperature and humidity control, according to the museum. Meanwhile, the museum also launched a holographic data collection project to create high-resolution imaging of the texts on the manuscripts for comprehensive digital archives.

The museum will share all research developments related to the manuscripts with scholars worldwide and welcomes international collaboration to jointly explore new approaches for conservation.