A Historic Encounter: A Civilizational Dialogue

Throughout history, exchanges between different countries and cultures have never ceased. This is evidenced by countless archaeological findings. The Silk Road, spanning thousands of miles from east to west and north to south, served as a vital conduit for human civilization, connecting different nations and regions over millennia. Known by various names such as the “Jewel Road,” “Spice Road,” “Cotton Road,” and “Ceramics Road,” it facilitated not only the trade of goods but also the exchange of ideas, technologies, and cultural traditions. Through the Silk Road, people contributed their own creations while enriching their lives with foreign goods, leading to the widespread transmission of production techniques, cultural knowledge, and religious beliefs. China and the nations of West Asia were intricately connected through this historic route of exchange.

Iran and Saudi Arabia, located in West Asia, are among the world’s cradles of civilization, home to ancient cultures such as the Sumerians, Hittites, Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians, and Arabs. For thousands of years, these civilizations engaged in exchanges with China and East Asia, propelling the development of the Silk Road and fostering shared growth across Asia.

When historical encounters become shared memories, the dialogues of the present help build bridges of understanding and connection.

To bring the public closer to the shared achievements of Chinese, Persian, and Arab civilizations and to highlight the significance of cultural exchange, the Palace Museum, along with the National Museum of Iran, the Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, the AlUla Development Commission of France, and the embassies of Iran and Saudi Arabia in China, worked together to organize an exhibition. After four years of collaboration with scholars from Iran, France, and Saudi Arabia, the result is a stunning display of ancient artifacts and shared heritage.

In January, three major exhibitions focusing on China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia were unveiled simultaneously at the Palace Museum’s Wumen galleries. These treasures, spanning millennia, have crossed mountains and seas to engage in a dialogue of civilizations that has endured for centuries. Immersed in this ocean of history, visitors can witness the meeting of the past and the present, where diverse cultures engage in mutual learning and growth.

The Silk Road’s Living History

Each of the three exhibitions has its own unique features, all connected under the theme of “A Historic Encounter.” Together, they weave a vivid narrative of the civilizations along the Silk Road. The “Splendid Persia” exhibition, housed in the east wing of the Wumen Gallery, showcases 216 precious artifacts from various Iranian museums, covering nearly 3,000 years of history.

Iran, one of the great ancient civilizations of West Asia, has a long history of friendly exchanges with China. In 121 BCE, the Han Dynasty sent emissary Zhang Qian to visit King Mithridates II of Parthia, establishing formal trade relations between the Han Empire and Parthia. From that time on, evidence of cultural exchange between the two great civilizations became widespread along the Silk Road. For example, Iran was one of the earliest countries to mint silver coins, which were widely circulated along the Silk Road and influenced neighboring regions, including China. The discovery of Persian silver coins in places such as Dunhuang provides further proof of this exchange.

The “Splendid Persia” exhibition highlights artifacts that embody this cultural dialogue. A standout piece is a dragon-patterned glazed tile from the 14th century, found in Takab, West Azerbaijan Province. This blue-glazed tile, with its golden dragon motif, mirrors the dragon patterns commonly seen on Yuan dynasty blue-and-white porcelain, showing the influence of Chinese design on Persian decorative arts. It is worth noting that the blue pigment used in Yuan dynasty porcelain, known as “Sumaliqing,” was sourced from Iran, reflecting the deep collaboration between Chinese and West Asian artisans.

A Dialogue of Civilizations: The Historic Encounter Exhibition

The central “Historic Encounter” exhibition, located in the Wumen main hall, brings together 266 artifacts from the collections of the Palace Museum and ten other archaeological institutions, including the National Museum of Iran. This section explores the centuries-long exchanges between China and West Asia in areas such as technology, art, and philosophy. Through these objects, the exhibition tells the story of the Silk Road from a Chinese perspective, showcasing China’s inclusive and innovative cultural identity.

Every artifact on display bears the marks of cultural exchange between China and West Asia. Bronze objects, for example, represent the order and harmony of China’s ancient rituals, while bronze and iron tools illustrate the role of metallurgy in the development of Chinese civilization, influenced by techniques transmitted from the West. Chinese silk, renowned worldwide, absorbed Persian weaving techniques and bloomed into more intricate and colorful designs. A carved glass dish from the Famen Temple crypt serves as a testament to the close cultural exchanges between China and the Arab world, with its design reflecting motifs found on Tang dynasty ceramics.

The “AlUla” exhibition in the west wing of the Wumen Gallery uses innovative light and sound technologies to create an immersive experience, taking visitors on a journey through the vast desert oasis landscapes of AlUla in Saudi Arabia. This exhibition highlights over 230 artifacts spanning 7,000 years of human history, telling the story of how ancient civilizations thrived in this harsh environment and transformed it into a land of wonders.

Among the many treasures on display, a type of vessel known as a rhyton—used for drinking—has garnered special attention. The exhibition features a magnificent gold winged lion rhyton from the Achaemenid period (500-450 BCE). This intricately designed vessel, with its winged lion form, is a shining example of Persian artistry. Rhytons, introduced to China via the Silk Road, influenced the design of vessels like the Tang dynasty sancai duck-shaped cups on display in the “Historic Encounter” exhibition, illustrating the cultural impact of the Silk Road.

A Shared Future of Mutual Learning

With over 700 artifacts from China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, this exhibition brings together three great civilizations in a dialogue of cultural exchange, showcasing how shared human values like collaboration, mutual respect, and cultural fusion have contributed to the development of societies along the Silk Road.

The organization of this exhibition is a key initiative by the Palace Museum to promote the Global Civilization Initiative, aiming to foster understanding and cultural exchange between China and West Asia. By presenting the long history of interaction between these ancient civilizations, the exhibition not only celebrates the beauty of Chinese culture but also builds a bridge for future dialogue, exploring the path of mutual learning and development along the Silk Road.