UCLA professor Lothar von Falkenhausen is sounding the call for a reunion of the fragmented Chu Silk Manuscripts—ancient texts discovered at the Zidanku site in Changsha that date back nearly 2,300 years. These classical writings, etched on silk, offer a rare glimpse into an ancient world, and the professor stresses that their full significance can only be appreciated when viewed as a complete set. Two volumes were returned to China by the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in May this year, yet they remain split, with the most complete volume still held abroad.
The recent publication of the English edition of The Chu Silk Manuscripts from Zidanku, Changsha (Hunan Province) by the Chinese University of Hong Kong Press, co-translated by Professor von Falkenhausen and Donald Harper from the University of Chicago, brings new urgency to this cause. For young culture enthusiasts and digital natives alike, this isn’t just history—it’s a vibrant reminder of our past that echoes into today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. 📜✨
The professor’s call to reunite these valuable pieces is a step toward preserving an irreplaceable cultural heritage. In a time when technology helps connect us across continents, the efforts to consolidate these manuscripts inspire us to value our shared history while moving boldly into the future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
