Returned zodiac heads on show at national museum

2. Celadon figurines of rat, ox, monkey:

These figures, also from National Museum of China's collection, were sculpted in the Sui Dynasty (AD 581-618). They were excavated in 1955, at Guizi Mountain near Wuhan, in Hubei province.

File photo of celadon figurines of rat, ox, monkey from National Museum of China's collection. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The figures measure between 15.3 and 16.5 centimeters in height. They are half-animal and half-human, and sit cross-legged, wearing the clothes of ancient Chinese court officials and holding writing tablets.

A layer of green-yellow glaze gives the figures a refined appearance.