Syrian artifacts shed light on cultural exchange and diversity of early civilizations

A piece of silky fabric from the National Museum of Damascus, unearthed from a tomb in the ancient city of Palmyra, is believed to have been imported from China, underscoring its crucial commercial role along the Silk Road.

In addition to the Syrian antiquities, the exhibition also includes one cultural relic replica from the Dunhuang Academy and two artifacts from the Gansu Provincial Museum. The host museum is also displaying eight pieces from its own collection of painted pottery.

One notable piece from the provincial museum is a Tang Dynasty (618-907) brocade with a five-color bird pattern.

It combines Persian-style pearl roundel patterns with the auspicious symbolism of the Chinese phoenix, serving as a witness to prosperous foreign exchanges and the depth of cultural integration.