The Chinese embassy in Tbilisi has opened an exhibition of Chinese ceramics and bronze artifacts to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The show, which opened Tuesday in Tbilisi History Museum and will run through Oct. 3, features 48 Chinese porcelain and bronze vessels of varying shape, size, age and purpose, many of them drinking utensils.

While the bronze drinking vessels show a range of designs, such as animal shapes, there are also striking bronze sculptures, musical instruments, mirror frames and statues.

Georgian visitors will also be intrigued by the fabulous Chinese ceramics, which testify to the exquisite technique and unique style of Chinese artisans.

A collection of old photographs showing how Chinese people used to live add a realistic touch to the exhibition, subtly inviting viewers to draw a bit closer to Chinese culture.

The exhibition pieces are copies of ancient artifacts that are currently on display in some of China's most prominent museums, such as the National Museum of Chinese History or the Gansu Provincial Museum.

The original pieces date as far back as 2100 BC. Most of the bronze pieces are from the Zhou Dynasty (1112 BC to 256 AD), when the art of Chinese bronzemaking was at its peak.

Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Gong Jianwei welcomed the exhibition, which functions as a vessel for Chinese-Georgian relations. He pledged to work hard to forge closer bilateral ties and friendship between the two peoples.

(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2009)