TEHRAN - IRAN has approved a six-month extension for “The glory of the ancient Persia: Exhibition of Iranian cultural relics”, following an enthusiastic reception in China.

This decision, revealed by Iranian Cultural Heritage Minister on Wednesday, comes after China’s request to prolong the exhibition's duration.

“The extension follows a significant resolution passed six months ago,” Ezzatollah Zarghami further elaborated. “Which approved the “Glory of Ancient Iran” exhibition at the National Museum of China in Beijing.”

The exhibition, he added, received an overwhelming response, prompting Chinese authorities to request an extension for display in Shanghai.

Shedding light on the timeline, the minister stated that the exhibition is set to commence in Shanghai from mid-June.

“Iran is located at what was a crossroads of East-West cultural communication in ancient times, and its art combined elements from various cultures,” noted Zhai Yi, a researcher at the Palace Museum and the curator of the exhibition. “It was influenced by many regions across Eurasia.”

“From the precious collections of palaces to articles of daily use, in this exhibition, we want to reflect the marvelous material cultural heritage left by ancient Persia within the greater context of mutual learning between civilizations,” she added.

“Persian civilization had an inclusive cultural ethos,” Zhai stated in her concluding remarks, “In the confluence and mutual learning between cultures, it continues to reveal its brilliance and magnificence, even today.”

Testifying the undeniable value of the ancient collection, a delicate Achaemenid golden rhyton (a conical drinking cup, sometimes used for ceremonial purposes) emblazoned with a winged lion has been displayed to the visitors.

It is noteworthy that there are only two of these distinctive Persian golden rhytons around the world, with one of them being held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

According to the Iranian officials, more than 200 Persian relics which are being put on show, including the golden rhyton, have been insured for 114,250,000 euros by the Chinese government, which is committed to their protection and exhibition.

This extension marks a significant cultural exchange between Iran and China, highlighting Iran’s rich historical heritage on an international stage.

XF