National Museum of Asian Art returns Ancient Manuscript Fragments to China

This transfer strengthens century-old collaborations between the National Museum of Asian Art and Chinese archaeological sites and museums. More broadly, this act embodies the museum’s commitment to research, access and collaboration.

Known by scholars as Volumes II and III, these fragments and the bamboo basket that contained them, which was also deaccessioned and transferred, are associated with the primary Eastern Zhou Zidanku Silk Manuscript (Volume I), which is privately owned. The manuscripts, which are a kind of divination guide that illuminates key concepts in ancient Chinese philosophy, are exceptionally significant in helping scholars uncover aspects of early Chinese beliefs. They were also the first ancient silk manuscripts found in China and are the oldest examples of their kind, making them unique.

The Zidanku Silk Manuscript fragments were gifted to the museum in 1992. Although they have never been on view, they have been documented, researched, diligently preserved and undergone scientific analysis. Over the decades, the museum provided onsite access to numerous scholars and students, and to many more around the world through digitized images and research. Consistent with the museum’s commitment to fostering research and collaboration, the transfer of the fragments to NCHA will ensure they are accessible to researchers working with more recently discovered materials in China.

“Since its inception, our museum has partnered with Chinese cultural institutions to share knowledge and expand the study and understanding of Chinese art history,” said Chase F. Robinson, the museum’s director. “This transfer reflects a carefully considered decision, grounded in our focus on sound stewardship and the belief that these materials belong in dialogue with their cultural and archaeological context. The transfer agreement opens up to the museum new and potentially important pathways to research. Over the past several months, we have had a fruitful dialogue with our Chinese partners that can lead to future collaborations. While the objects themselves will return to China, the museum’s researchers will retain all their intellectual property, ensuring that scholars in the U.S. and across the globe will continue to access digital versions of the material.”

The agreement was officially signed May 10 and celebrated at a transfer ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., May 16. During this event, Robinson highlighted the significance of the fragments and the museum’s mission to deepen the public understanding of the arts and cultures of Asia. Xie Feng, ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the United States, and Rao Quan, vice minister of culture and tourism of the People’s Republic of China and administrator of NCHA, elaborated on the historical importance of the Zidanku Silk Manuscript through remarks. Zhu Ye, deputy director-general for the Department of Exchanges and Cooperation at NCHA, accepted the objects. As a symbolic gesture, representatives from both parties exchanged a copy of the transfer agreement and a letter of gratitude during the program.

Main Image: Fragments of the Zidanku Silk Manuscripts (Volumes II and III); Photo credit: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC