The exhibition revolves around bronze cultural relics repatriated from abroad. [Photo/Zhejiang Provincial Museum]

A special exhibition centered around bronze cultural relics repatriated from outside China opened on Feb 12 at the Zhijiang Campus of the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, in Hangzhou, running through April 12.

The exhibition features 80 sets of bronze artifacts from the Shang and Zhou dynasties (c.16th century–256 BC) to the Han-Tang period (206 BC–220, 618–907), selected from the Poly Art Museum collection. Centered on the theme of repatriation, it honors national treasures that were lost overseas due to historical circumstances and later brought back to China.

Ranging from ritual and musical instruments to wine vessels and weapons, the bronze ware reflects ancient ceremonial order and spiritual beliefs while showcasing the enduring efforts to safeguard cultural heritage.

As material evidence of China's Bronze Age, the repatriated artifacts also highlight modern society's commitment to protecting and revitalizing the nation's cultural legacy.

A ritual food vessel inscribed with historical markings reflects the ceremonial order and bronze craftsmanship of ancient China. [Photo/Zhejiang Provincial Museum]