Returned marble columns on show at rightful home

Construction of Yuanmingyuan began in 1707 during the reign of the Emperor Kangxi (1661-1722). It was expanded and renovated during the reigns of the next five emperors. Because of its more comfortable living environment than the imperial palace of the Forbidden City, Yuanmingyuan also functioned as a major royal residence.

From 1747 to 1760, the Western Mansion area was gradually formed in Yuanmingyuan, featuring a combination of craftsmanship in Chinese and Western styles. It was deeply influenced by baroque art, which was popular in the palaces of European countries at the time.

According to an appraisal panel combining researchers from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Palace Museum in Beijing, Peking University and Sichuan University, the baroque columns, 80 to 92 centimeters high, match those stone relics that remained in the Western Mansion area. They are thought to have been originally set on roofs and by stairways.

Some of their frontal facades feature typical Western decorations while the sides were carved with Chinese auspicious patterns such as orchids, lotuses, peonies and chrysanthemums.

Petter Snare, director of KODE, noted that the columns, as a part of Yuanmingyuan, were evidence of cultural communication between China and Europe in the 18th century. He also expected stories of the returned relics to educate people and inspire more cross-cultural dialogues.

"Under the framework of international laws, we'll seek more ways of practical cooperation in the repatriation of lost relics," said Li, from the National Cultural Heritage Administration.