Western Xia treasures bring Silk Road history to Ningbo

Visitors admire relics at the exhibition. [Photo/Yongpai App]

From the deserts of Northwest China to the shores of the East China Sea, 147 artifacts are bringing the history of the Western Xia Dynasty (1038-1227) to life in Ningbo through the special exhibition Xi Xia, Liangzhou: The Silhouette of a Western Dynasty, which opened on Aug 21 at the China Port Museum.

Featuring artifacts from four cultural institutions in Gansu province and Ningxia Hui autonomous region, it offers visitors a glimpse into the history and cultural achievements of the Western Xia, a kingdom established by the Tangut people that flourished from the 11th to 13th centuries.

With ancient Liangzhou, present-day Wuwei city, as its focus, the exhibition is divided into three sections exploring the region's economy, craftsmanship, art, religion, and multicultural exchanges. Highlights include a rubbing of a Western Xia stele, a porcelain flask, a gold cup decorated with peony motifs, a Western Xia woodblock-printed dictionary, woodblock paintings, and Buddhist images.

These artifacts provide valuable clues to understanding a civilization shaped by interactions among the Tangut, Han, Tibetan, and other peoples.

Ningbo, a key starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, now provides a new setting for these treasures from the ancient overland route, creating a dialogue between two historic trade and cultural corridors.

The exhibition is free to the public and runs until Dec 6.

Precious relics on display at the exhibition. [Photo/Yongpai App]