Did you know that over 2,300 years ago, people in the Chinese mainland wrote important texts on silk? 📜✨ These are called the Chu Silk Manuscripts, and they’re some of the oldest silk writings ever found!
What’s So Special About the Chu Silk Manuscripts?
Imagine finding your great-great-great (times a lot!) grandparents’ diary written on silk cloth. That’s kind of like what the Chu Silk Manuscripts are! Discovered at the Zidanku site in Changsha, they give us a peek into ancient Chinese history and culture.
Meet the Professor on a Mission
Professor Lothar von Falkenhausen from UCLA is a top expert in Chinese archaeology. That means he studies really old things from China to learn more about the past. He’s super passionate about the Chu Silk Manuscripts and believes they should all be in one place.
Why Do They Need to Be Together?
Think of it like having pieces of a puzzle spread out all over the world. It’s hard to see the whole picture! Right now, some parts of the manuscripts are in the Chinese mainland, and others are still abroad. The most complete piece, called Volume I, isn’t back home yet.
Pieces Coming Home 🏠
Recently, two volumes were returned to the Chinese mainland by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art. That’s great news! But they’re still in fragments, like a broken vase waiting to be glued back together.
A New Book Brings Hope
Professor von Falkenhausen and Donald Harper from the University of Chicago just helped publish the English version of “The Chu Silk Manuscripts from Zidanku, Changsha (Hunan Province)“. This book helps more people learn about these amazing scrolls.
Time to Reunite the Scrolls!
With more people understanding their importance, there’s a bigger call to bring all the pieces of the Chu Silk Manuscripts back together. Just like reuniting old friends, it’s time for these ancient scrolls to come home!
Why Should We Care?
Learning about the Chu Silk Manuscripts helps us understand the roots of Chinese culture and history. It’s like unlocking secrets from the past! And when history is preserved, everyone can learn and benefit from it.
What Can You Do?
Stay curious! 🤔 Maybe one day, you’ll discover something amazing about history too. Share this story with your friends and family, and keep the excitement for history alive!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
