Rare correspondence about rescue of cultural relics on display

BEIJING - An exhibition displaying letters and telegrams about the rescue of cultural relics in Hong Kong in the 1950s opened Thursday at the National Library of China.

The exhibition features 166 pages of letters and telegrams between members of a secret group for purchasing displaced cultural relics in Hong Kong from 1952 to 1958. Among the members was prominent Chinese writer, journalist and archaeologist Zheng Zhenduo (1898-1958).

The correspondence, made public for the first time, has information about the founding of the group, principles for cultural relic purchases, authentication and fundraising.

China Guardian Auctions donated the correspondence to the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) after purchasing them at an open auction in Hong Kong.

The national library is mandated by the NCHA to protect and display the documents.

The exhibition will last until Feb 26, 2020.