In an effort to enhance enforcement capabilities against cultural relic smuggling, the Hong Kong Customs has established a dedicated National Cultural Relics Identification Team. The team, formed in July, marks a significant milestone in the commitment of the Hong Kong Customs to protect the national cultural heritage by intensifying efforts to combat smuggling of cultural relics.
Lau Yuk-lung, a supervisor in the intelligence bureau of the Hong Kong Customs, was appointed as the captain of this newly formed team. Despite not being a jewelry appraiser or a professional in the field of cultural relics, Lau and his colleagues take meticulous care in examining the texture of jade and other artifacts. They wear masks and gloves to prevent droplets and sweat from damaging the artifacts, use magnifying glasses to observe the details, and record the entire process with a specially designed miniature camera.
The selection process for the team was intense, requiring proficiency in Mandarin, a passion for cultural relics and Chinese culture, and relevant customs duties experience. Over 100 people applied, including Ngai Pak-hei, an acting senior inspector who was deeply affected by the narrative of lost cultural relics in historical novels. Ultimately, 31 members were selected from different departments of Hong Kong Customs to join the team.
The first significant task for the team was to participate in a week-long training program in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, organized by the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) and the Hong Kong Customs. The program covered a wide range of topics including cultural relic identification, regulation of the cultural relic market, relevant laws, and law enforcement strategies. It also included visits to renowned cultural sites, which helped the team members appreciate the profound cultural heritage of Xi’an.
Lau noted that the training required a professional and rigorous attitude, similar to their investigative work. The instructors’ emotions about stolen and sold cultural relics inspired the team members, and Ngai was deeply impressed by the case of the recovered stone sarcophagus of Tang empress Wu Huifei.
Back in Hong Kong, the team members are divided into four squads, rotating shifts monthly to handle cultural relics identification tasks at different ports and checkpoints. Equipped with their newly acquired knowledge and skills, they are ready to identify and intercept smuggling attempts. Lui, one of the training instructors, emphasized the importance of handling cultural relics carefully, likening it to cradling a newborn baby.
With a stronger and more determined country, the team is ready to protect national treasures. While Lui is planning a visit to the Hunan Museum, Ngai hopes to return to Xi’an with her family and walk through the Daming Palace wearing traditional Hanfu attire. This initiative marks a significant step towards preserving and protecting the rich and splendid Chinese civilization.
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