In a recent conversation with a representative from the Tianjin Museum, we explored their exciting new exhibition, “Golden Warrior and Fertile Steppe—Kazakh Historical Artifacts from the Kazakhstan National Museum,” which has just launched in Tianjin. This remarkable exhibition showcases 185 stunning artifacts from Kazakhstan, a pivotal hub along the ancient Silk Road and an important player in the Belt and Road Initiative. Among these pieces, the highlight is undoubtedly the “Golden Warrior,” with many artifacts making their debut outside Kazakhstan for the first time.
As the largest museum in Central Asia, the Kazakhstan National Museum is known as a treasure trove for the nation’s history and art. The exhibition is thoughtfully divided into three sections: “Golden Man and Animal Style,” “Medieval Kazakhstan,” and “Modern Kazakh Decorative and Applied Arts.” Together, these sections offer a rich narrative of the ancient steppe civilization’s splendor. Visitors can expect to see cultural relics from famous Silk Road cities such as Taraz, Otrar, and Saran, showcasing exquisite artifacts that shed light on the interactions, integrations, and exchanges that occurred along this historic trade route.
The representative emphasized, “In recent years, the Tianjin Museum has embraced the Belt and Road theme, curating a range of exhibitions such as ‘The Great Tang of Chang’an—Exhibition of Shaanxi Tang Dynasty Artifacts,’ ‘Harmony and Unity—Art Exhibition of Bronze Figurines from Pingliang,’ ‘Echoes of the Dunhuang—Special Exhibition of Dunhuang Documents from the Tianjin Museum,’ and ‘Silk Road Kunlun—Exhibition of Xinjiang Artifacts.’ Through these exhibits, we aim to extend the narrative of the ancient Silk Road across the Eurasian continent, while capturing the enduring spirit of this historic route.”
The representative also noted that this exhibition marks a “key stop” within the initiative, as it represents the first time the Tianjin Museum’s “Silk Road” series has crossed national borders, reaching into Eurasia. This endeavor not only enhances cultural exchange and cooperation between China and Kazakhstan but also promotes a dialogue between civilizations, offering an important platform for the public to appreciate, understand, and embrace diverse cultures.
Co-organized by the Tianjin Museum, the China Cultural Relics Exchange Center, and the Kazakhstan National Museum, this exhibition is accessible to the public free of charge until February 12, 2025.
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