Ge Chengyong: A Reinterpretation of Asian Civilization from The Perspective of The Silk Road

      The concept of “Asia” originates from outsiders. According to the legend, Phoenicians who were active in the ancient Mediterranean invented the beautiful name – “Asia”, namely “the land of the rising sun”, which has been famous for thousands of years. As the largest continent in the world, Asia has numerous “world records” in its vast geographical environment. In addition, as one of the earliest settlements for mankind, it has a long history and profound civilization.

      On the vast world map, dozens of corridors and road networks connecting oasis plains, brown plateaus and yellow deserts promote the communication of Asia civilizations. Besides, the Mesopotamian Plain, Indus Valley and the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River and Yangtze River in China are the important cradles of human civilization. There are more than 1,000 ethnic groups in Asia alone, accounting for about half of all the nations in the world. Various nations with various skin colors have communicated with each other in various regions with various cultures, thus creating their own cultures.

      The Asian cultural relics are also the most splendid. As early as 3000 BC, the Babylonians in the Mesopotamia of West Asia invented pottery making and ore smelting. The Sumerians first invented writing and systematic irrigation projects. The nomadic people in Central Asia invented saddles, harnesses and wheels. South Asia people invented stone carving art in the cradle of Buddhism and Hinduism. The Chinese invented porcelain, stirrups, gunpowder, compass, papermaking and printing. Besides, they are the first planters of rice. Indians and Arabs invented decimal calculation. Various local medical technologies in Asia are still very effective even today, showing the wisdom of ancient people and the outstanding talents of craftsmen. These technologies have made great contributions to world civilization.

      In order to show the historical characteristics of Asian civilizations and focus on the track of dialogue and exchange among civilizations from various angles, the “The Splendor of Asia: An Exhibition of Asian Civilizations” first display 200 pieces of cultural relics from dozens of Asian countries, showing the audience the depth and vastness of Asian civilization. The exhibition shows “civilizations” through “cultural relics”, thus enlightening and nourishing the development of Asian community of common destiny.

      Communication lies in mutual learning. A series of exhibitions of Asian civilizations show our attention to the mysterious neighboring countries, greatly expanding the cultural space of the outside world. 

      History serves as a mirror for reality, yet reality as a mirror for future. It can be said that the wonderful Asian civilizations show imprints and numerous cultural codes for us to interpret and understand the monumental significance through the cultural relics. If the fine arts displayed in the Exhibition of Asian Civilizations boost the pride of the Asian people and the development of Asian civilizations along the ancient civilization path, only by treating all kinds of civilizations equally can we live in harmony, show unique charms, and develop wonderful cultures jointly.We believe that breaking the original barriers to cultural exchanges and building an exhibition platform featuring mutual learning of civilizations will not only promote the historical development of Asian exchanges, mutual appreciation and understanding, Asian development consensus and Asian innovation, but also enhance the understanding of Asian cultural affinity, thus leading to spiritual strength for the Asian civilizations and a better future for the mankind.