In a recent development, Gongbei Customs seized 25 imported pottery items that were identified as cultural relics by experts from the Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relics Identification Station. This marks the first time that customs has intercepted cultural relics entering the country through declared shipments. The artifacts include pieces from various dynasties such as the Han, Northern Dynasties, Tang, and Ming, featuring painted clay pots, green-glazed ceramics, and even some exquisite Hantao pottery.
The incident came to light when customs officers at the Gongbei Customs Express Control Center inspected a batch of packages arriving from Hong Kong. These packages were declared as "glass flower pots," "stone dolls for decoration," and "porcelain furnishings." However, upon closer examination, the contents were found to be old pottery products. This raised suspicion, prompting the authorities to bring in cultural relics experts for further evaluation.
Experts confirmed that among the 25 items, there were ten Han Dynasty artifacts, including clay pots, green glaze vessels, and potters’ wares, as well as one painted pottery from the Northern Dynasties, one painted maternity vase from the Tang Dynasty, and 13 Ming Dynasty figurines. The discovery highlights the growing challenge of smuggling cultural relics into China through unofficial channels.
According to an analyst from the customs, the increasing popularity of art collections in mainland China has led to a surge in the return of overseas Chinese cultural relics. Hong Kong, being the largest antique hub in Asia, has become a key route for these items. Many collectors from the mainland travel to Hong Kong or abroad to acquire treasures, often referred to as “Taobao†in the global market.
UNESCO estimates that over 1.67 million Chinese cultural relics are recorded in more than 200 museums across 47 countries, though the actual number is believed to be much higher—possibly ten times that figure. Most of these items were lost overseas before 1949.
With China's economic growth, private entrepreneurs have increasingly invested in the art market, driving up auction prices and fueling demand for rare artifacts. This has created a booming return trade, where people purchase antiques abroad and bring them back for profit. As a result, the trend of cultural relics leaving the country has shifted toward re-entering China.
Currently, many Chinese auction houses conduct overseas sales and have seen a significant increase in the number of returned artifacts. High-value items often set new records, with over 50% of auctioned items coming from overseas. For instance, the return rate of Chinese calligraphy, paintings, and Ming and Qing porcelain exceeds 80%.
China’s revised Cultural Relics Protection Law, enacted in October 2002, allows legal acquisition and circulation of cultural relics through purchases and auctions, which has contributed to the return of national treasures.
However, not all individuals or institutions are fully aware of the regulations. Some attempt to evade customs inspections by concealing or misdeclaring their imports, leading to cases like the recent seizure by Gongbei Customs.
Customs authorities remind that all goods brought into the country must be truthfully declared. Any attempt to bypass customs regulations will result in penalties under the "Regulations on the Implementation of Customs Administrative Penalties." This case serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance in the cultural relics trade.
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