In a landmark move for cultural preservation, the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art has officially repatriated two meticulously preserved silk manuscripts from China's Warring States period (475–221 BCE) to the National Cultural Heritage Administration. The texts, known as the Zidanku silk manuscripts Volumes II and III, include the rare Wuxing Ling (五行令) and Gongshou Zhan (攻守占), which scholars believe contain philosophical and divinatory insights from one of China's most pivotal eras.
A Bridge to Ancient Thought
Dating back over 2,300 years, the manuscripts survived warfare and time on silk threads—a medium far rarer than bamboo slips. Their return follows years of collaborative research confirming their origin as artifacts illegally trafficked in the early 20th century. Experts suggest the texts may shed light on pre-Qin dynasty intellectual traditions and regional governance strategies during China's fractious feudal age.
Cultural Diplomacy in Focus
This repatriation underscores growing international efforts to address historical acquisitions of artifacts obtained under disputed circumstances. The Chinese mainland has seen over 1,800 cultural relics returned through formal channels since 2020, with this case marking one of the oldest objects recovered. Analysts view the gesture as a positive step in U.S.-China cultural relations amid broader geopolitical complexities.
