In a significant cultural and academic coup, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has been chosen as the official African custodian of one of China’s most treasured artistic legacies. The university has been selected as a global repository for the Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings, a monumental project that preserves over a millennium of Chinese artistic heritage.
This places UJ in an elite group of only four universities worldwide entrusted with this collection, marking a major vote of confidence in its standing as a hub for international scholarship and Africa-China studies.
A Gift Valued Beyond Price
The collection, a donation valued at approximately R2.5 million from the prestigious Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, consists of thousands of high-quality reproductions of ancient Chinese paintings. These works trace the evolution of Chinese art and philosophy across more than ten centuries, offering a breathtaking visual journey through history.
At a handover ceremony in China, UJ’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation, Professor Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya, framed the donation as a profound diplomatic gesture. “This donation is not just a collection of art, it is a bridge between civilisations,” she said. “Through this partnership, UJ and Zhejiang University reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing global scholarship, cultural understanding, and the preservation of humanity’s artistic heritage.”
Strengthening the Africa-China Academic Corridor
For UJ, this is more than an art acquisition; it’s a strategic academic partnership. Professor David Monyae, Director of the Centre for Africa-China Studies, highlighted what this means for the university. “It offers our students and scholars access to one of the most comprehensive visual archives of ancient Chinese art, enhancing cross-cultural learning, research and dialogue between our continents.”
The partnership with Zhejiang Universitya top-50 global institutionis a powerful endorsement of UJ’s vision to be “an international university of choice, anchored in Africa.” The two universities are expected to soon sign formal agreements to broaden collaboration into other academic fields, fostering deeper ties in research, innovation, and teaching.
By becoming the guardian of this collection, UJ is not just storing artit is actively building a vibrant, two-way corridor for cultural and intellectual exchange between Africa and China, ensuring that ancient brushstrokes continue to inspire modern minds.
{Source: TimesLive}
