China's past hoping to make future visit to Scotland - Liddell

23 Jan 2002

Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell today added her support to proposals to bring priceless artefacts from the tomb of a Chinese king to enhance the impressive Chinese exhibition at the Burrell Collection in Glasgow under proposals being discussed by the municipal government of Guangzhou and Glasgow City Council.

Speaking during a visit to the Nanyue Museum and Royal Mausoleum at Guangzhou, in the south of China, Mrs Liddell said:

"The magnificent exhibits contained within the Nanyue Museum give a fascinating insight into the excesses of ancient imperial rule in China from thousands of years ago. The Museum is considered to be one of China's finest and is built around the tomb of the Nanyue King who ruled in Guangzhou in 200 BC.

"My visit here today allows me to offer my support on behalf of the people of Glasgow and Scotland for the plans that the municipal government of Guangzhou and Glasgow City Council have to bring a selection of valuable artefacts to Glasgow. Staff at the British Consulate in Hong Kong also stand ready to assist if necessary.

"I am aware that this would be the first time that these priceless objects will have been displayed outside China. It would be a major coup for Scotland and Glasgow if we can agree that the Burrell Collection should play host for the display as they would be the only museum in the UK to be granted this privilege.

"I have every confidence that the loan of these valuable artefacts would give the people of Scotland a unique opportunity to gain a greater insight into the distinctive culture, attitudes and traditions of ancient China. It will also play a crucial part in promoting not only stronger cultural and political ties, but forging stronger bilateral relationships between Scotland and China."

Mrs Liddell added:

"It is vitally important that we strengthen our existing links with China and look to develop new ones. China's recent membership of the World Trade Organisation will afford Scottish business new and increased access to commercial, industrial and educational opportunities which can all make a valuable contribution to the Scottish economy."

NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS

1. Nanyue Museum and Royal Mausoleum was the tomb of Nanyue King who ruled in Guangzhou in 200 BC. The relics of over 1,000 burial objects can be viewed there. The most valuable piece is the oldest jade burial suit ever found in China.
2. The museum is considered to be one of China's finest and is built around the tomb of Chao Mei. In the 1980s, construction workers discovered the king's tomb which contained the skeleton of the king and those of his court (including concubines, servants and chefs) who were buried with him to serve in the afterlife.
3. The tomb is almost 11 metres in length and 12.5 metres in the widest place, consisting of the front and rear chambers. There are over 1,200 pieces in the Museum’s collection mainly in the form of gold, silver, copper, iron, pottery, and jade artefacts. Among the highlights on display are "Emperor Wen's Seal", a gold seal with a dragon knot, and rare cultural relics such as a silver box of ancient Persia.
4. Under the proposals items, including the Jade suit would come on loan from Nanyue Museum to augment the Chinese collection at the Burrell Glasgow. It is hoped that the items would be exhibited at the Burrell Collection for a period of five months during 2003.
5. Further details about proposals for the exhibition can be obtained from Mark O’Neil, City of Glasgow Council, Tel: 0141 287 4350.