LANZHOU, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) — More than 200 exquisite specimens of Gandhara Art are on displayed at the Gansu Provincial Museum, with the exhibition scheduled to run from Sept. 8 to Dec. 8.
Gandhara is an ancient region that encompassed parts of present-day Pakistan. It was a melting pot of civilizations, where various cultures converged.
Titled “Gandhara Heritage along the Silk Road”, the Pakistan-China joint exhibition traces the origin and development of Gandhara Art with three units, demonstrating the long history of cultural and artistic exchanges between China and Pakistan.
212 pieces of art treasures were assembled totally, 173 pieces of them are from Pakistan and 30 from the Palace Museum in Beijing.
Bilal Mahmood Chaudhary, Deputy Chief of Mission of Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Beijing, said these 173 artifacts, carefully curated from seven different museums in Pakistan, offer audiences a glimpse into the artistic achievements of the Gandhara civilization.
From intricate sculptures to masterful pottery, these pieces embody the craftsmanship and creative spirit of the people who lived in this region over the centuries.
Gansu Provincial Museum added 9 pieces of local cultural relics featuring Gandara Art to the exhibition for better interpreting the multicultural features and significant impact of Gandara Art, said Jia Jianwei, director of the museum.
He also indicated that taking the exhibition as an opportunity, Gansu Provincial Museum will undertake more cultural heritage exchanges and cooperation between China and Pakistan in the future.
“Gandhara Art holds a special place in the hearts of both our nations. It is a symbol of our common heritage,” said Humaira Ahmed, Secretary of National Heritage and Culture Division of Government of Pakistan, Islamabad.
“This exhibition is more than a display of antiquities; it is a living testament to the enduring bonds between Pakistan and China. It underscores our commitment to fostering mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures and
friendship that transcends the geographical borders,” she added. Enditem
