1996 China Ministry of Culture Official Gift Bronze Great Wall Plaque Diplomatic

This is a commemorative bronze relief plaque featuring the Great Wall of China, mounted on a wooden board. It was presented as an official gift by the Chinese government in 1996.

Inscriptions & Translation

The most significant aspect of this item is the text on the brass plates, which establishes its provenance (history of ownership).

• Bottom Right Plate (Donor & Date - IMG_2480):

  • Text: 中华人民共和国文化部 / 一九九六年三月

  • Translation: Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China / March 1996.

  • Significance: This indicates the item is an official diplomatic or cultural gift from the Chinese government, specifically the Ministry of Culture.

• Top Left Plate (Recipient - IMG_2484):

  • Text: 赠 日本秋冈事务所

  • Translation: Presented to the Japan Akioka Office.

  • Context: "Akioka" (秋岡) likely refers to Akioka Ieshige (秋岡家栄), a prominent Japanese journalist (for the Asahi Shimbun) who played a significant role in the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China. He was known as a "bridge" between the two countries. Receiving a gift from the Ministry of Culture would align with his status as a key figure in Japan-China friendship.

Physical Details

• Subject: The Great Wall of China (万里の長城 - Banri no Chōjō). Note: Your description says "万里の頂上" (Banri no Chōjō - Summit of 10,000 miles), which is a common phonetic typo for "Great Wall."

• Material:

  • Relief: Cast bronze (or copper alloy) with a dark, antique-style patina to highlight the texture of the bricks and mountain rocks.

  • Backing: Solid wooden board with a hanging loop on the back.

• Weight: Bronze +wood:  3680g (approx. 3.7 kg) 

• Dimensions: Approx. 65.7 cm wide x35 x3.8 cm thick

Visual Analysis

• Design: The relief depicts a classic section of the Great Wall, likely the Badaling section near Beijing, which is the most famous and visited part. It features a main watchtower in the foreground with stairs leading up, and the wall winding through rugged mountains in the background.

• Craftsmanship: The casting appears detailed, showing the individual bricks of the wall and the rough texture of the landscape.

• Condition: The bronze has a good luster. The wooden board appears well-preserved, though there is some minor wear consistent with age (1996).

Summary

This is not just a decorative souvenir but a piece of diplomatic memorabilia. It represents a specific moment in Japan-China cultural relations in the mid-90s, likely gifted to an office associated with a key figure in that relationship.