Excavations of the shipwreck are ongoing. Some 140,000 artifacts, primarily porcelains from the Jingdezhen kiln, Dehua kiln, Cizao kiln and Longquan kiln, wood wares, iron wares, copper coins, copper rings and lacquer chips have already been recovered.

A total of 96 cultural relics from the shipwreck are being exhibited, mostly Longquan celadons.

Longquan celadon was among the finest of a range of celadon wares produced in the country, and was at the forefront of stylistic and technical developments. It was found in countries along the ancient maritime silk route.

The opening ceremony of the return-to-the-origin celadon exhibition is held on March 29 in Longquan, Zhejiang province. [Photo by Shen Shuhua/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"The excavated cultural relics prove that Longquan celadons have been an important commodity in China's foreign trade since ancient times," said Hu Wuhai, a local official. 

"The exhibition will advance the development of the local celadon industry and cultural economy."

A large-scale live-action performance was also staged prior to the exhibition to welcome the return-to-the-origin celadons.

The exhibition will last until June 10.

Longquan celadons excavated from an ancient wrecked ship in the depths of the South China Sea are exhibited on March 29 in Longquan, Zhejiang province. [Photo by Shen Shuhua/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]