Over one-hundred precious gifts presented to former leaders of China are now open for public appreciation. Displayed at the exhibition hall of the National Center for the Performing Arts, these gifts recount the friendly exchanges between China and other countries. And most of them are masterpieces of true artistic beauty.
Most of the 175 diplomatic gifts on display are traditional musical instruments or delicate handicrafts. Each item bears witness to the melting of strangeness and the beginning of friendly relations.
Drums form the soul of traditional African music. This one was a gift to Chairman Mao from the Tanzanian President in 1974. The drum head is made of zebra skin, which has a unique tenacity that makes it a supreme material for making drums.
Another highlight is a dancing figurine from Bali, Indonesia. The figurine's body is formed with hundreds of Chinese coins, and it is topped with a gold crown. The coins date back to the Qing Dynasty. As Chinese bronze coins started to filter into Indonesia some six hundred years ago, they were worshipped by local residents as holy objects.
The exhibition has conjured up past memories of some now elderly diplomats.
Former diplomat Qiu Shengyun said, "This couple of pottery swans were presented to Chairman Mao during U.S. President Nixon's first visit to Beijing. They were made by a master in New Jersey. "
The exhibition of diplomatic gifts will run till September 2nd.
