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Treasures from the British Museum shine in Beijing

CCTV.com

03-03-2017 09:07 BJT

(Source:CGTN)

Encompassing two million years of human history with just 100 objects sounds ambitious. But that's exactly the challenge the National Museum of China has taken on with the new exhibition.

From stone tools and clay tablets to solar-powered lamp and credit cards. These artefacts, which were originally displayed at the British Museum in London, aim to tell the story of the human civilization.

The collection also includes the Lewis Chessmen, found on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland and dated to the 12th century, and an Assyrian clay tablet, bearing a pre-Christian version of the story of Noah's Ark.

The exhibition however, isn't confined to the ancient or medieval world. It aims to cover the entire human civilization, p to modern day.

The curators would often make adjustments to the modern objects exhibited. This solar-powered lamp made in Shenzhen is introduced for the Chinese exhibition.

And despite its title, the exhibition actually features 101 objects -- the extra one as a honorary exhibit from the hosting museum.

"For the 101st object we've chosen the hammer and the pen which was used when China entered the World Trade Organiazation. It's very meaningful object for China and we're honored to feature it here." said Yan Zhi, curator of National museum of China.

Curators have spent weeks painstakingly transporting, inspecting, exhibiting some of the British Museum's most spectacular treasures.

"A History of the World in 100 Objects first began as a BBC radio program in 2010, hosted by the British Museum's then director Neil Mcgregor, and later became a book and now the exhibition has finally come to Beijing allowing visitors a closer look at the relics." said Shen Li in National Museum of China, Beijing.

And audience can also swing by "Invention of the Louvre" next to the British Museum exhibition, a surprising arrangment from the National Museum of China.

"We've placed the British Museum's exhibition next to the Louvre one, so visitors could get a more comprehensive picture of the western art." said Chen Chengjun, deputy director of National Museum of China.

"A History of the World in 100 Objects" runs at the National Museum of China until the end of May before travelling to Shanghai.

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