Zhejiang University hands over unique printed collection of Chinese art to KFU as gift

The Comprehensive Collection of the Visual Art of Ancient China is now part of our library funds – the books are to be available to readers starting February 2026.

The collection comprises the vast majority of extant masterpieces of Chinese art. Overall, there are 12,405 individual works of art from 263 museums of China and other coutnries. Works on the collection started at Zhejiang University in 2005 and were completed in 2024. The edition consists of 232 books and five key parts – from the ancient times to Qin dynasty, Song dynasty, Yuan dynasty, Ming dynasty, and Qing dynasty.

Notably, apart from the priceless content, the collection also impresses with its jaw-dropping weight, measuring up to an astounding number of 1,840 kilograms.

The handover was first discussed in September 2024, when Zhejiang University representatives visited our university. In October 2024, they joined the Dialogue of Civilizations of BRICS Countries roundtable during that year’s BRICS Summit in Kazan.

Zhejiang University was founded in 1897 and is consistently ranked among the best in the country. It has 7 major institutes and 7 in-house medical institutions.

During his visit to Zhejiang University in November 2025, Vice Premier of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko offered the colleagues to cooperate with KFU in its advanced engineering schools project, including academic exchange and joint programs in design and automation of automotive manufacturing.