Fragile Cargo: China's Wartime Race to Save the Treasures of the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City Curators is a gripping and meticulously researched account of an epic effort to transport delicate scrolls, paintings, and carvings thousands of miles under the threat of bombing and invasion during World War II.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

The captivating true story of the courageous curators who shielded China's most precious art from the devastation of the Sino-Japanese War and World War II is revealed in this enthralling book.

Spring 1933. The silent courtyards and palaces of Peking's Forbidden City are filled with anxiety and anticipation as Japan's aircraft buzz overhead, its troops and tanks drawing near. The impending war between China and Japan looms large, presenting the curators of the Forbidden City with an insurmountable challenge: how will they safeguard the immense imperial art collections under their care?

The magnificent collections, comprising a staggering one million art pieces, hold the deepest and most ancient memories of China. Among them are irreplaceable treasures such as exquisite paintings on silk, exceedingly rare Ming porcelain, and the extraordinary Stone Drums of Qin, adorned with 2,500-year-old inscriptions of immense cultural significance.

For sixteen harrowing years, under the quiet guidance of museum director Ma Heng, the curators embarked on an extraordinary journey, transporting the imperial art collections thousands of miles across China. They braved treacherous rivers, climbed towering mountain ranges, and traversed burning cities in their quest for safety. Through the chaos and turmoil of China's Second World War, the curators and their precious cargo endured the maelstrom of violence, disorder, and starvation.

This remarkable tale is brought to life through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, offering readers a glimpse into the bravery and resilience of the curators who risked everything to preserve China's cultural heritage. The book sheds light on the immense sacrifices made by these individuals and the profound impact their efforts had on the preservation of world art. It serves as a testament to the power of human determination and the enduring value of cultural heritage.

Weight: 618g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784743796