China has welcomed the return of two volumes of Chinese silk manuscripts, nearly 2,300 years old, after eight decades abroad. These manuscripts, part of the Zidanku collection, arrived in Changsha, Hunan Province, through cooperation between Chinese and U.S. cultural institutions.
The accession ceremony for Volumes II and III of the Zidanku Silk Manuscripts took place at the Hunan Museum on October 13, 2025. Consequently, the works will permanently reside at the museum, joining its growing collection of ancient artifacts.
Excavated from a Chu-state tomb at Zidanku in 1942, the manuscripts record astronomy, calendars, cosmology, and military divination from the Warring States Period. However, tomb raiders smuggled them out of China in 1946, separating them from Volume I, which remains at the Hunan Museum.
Rao Quan, head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, said the return represents a major achievement in Sino-U.S. cultural cooperation. Moreover, he called it an example of countries working together to restore historical artifacts.
Duan Xiaoming, curator of the Hunan Museum, said integrating the returned volumes with the museum’s collection improves public understanding of Chu-state history. He also stressed the need to preserve the manuscripts under strict scientific standards.
After arriving on September 10, 2025, the manuscripts underwent 14 days of environmental adaptation observation. Then, experts conducted non-destructive evaluations and installed temperature- and humidity-controlled storage. They also studied microbial disinfection methods to protect the silk and ink.
Staff completed standardized imaging of the manuscripts, revealing over 40 previously unnoticed ink characters. This discovery highlights the manuscripts’ historical and scholarly value.
The manuscripts’ return also shows broader trends in global cultural heritage repatriation. As a result, experts said it strengthens international trust and encourages cooperation between museums and governments.
Looking ahead, the Hunan Museum plans to display the manuscripts for research and public education. Scholars will study the artifacts to better understand pre-Qin Chinese civilization. The return also signals growing momentum against illegal antiquities trafficking.
By securing the manuscripts in China, authorities aim to preserve national cultural treasures. They also hope to inspire continued academic and public interest in ancient Chinese history.
