Undated photo showing the special exhibition space at China's National Museum created to display a 2,700-year-old water kettle repatriated to China last year (Photo: National Museum of China)

An ancient bronze tiger kettle has made its debut at China's National Museum on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, 159 years after it was plundered by the British army during its destruction of the Old Summer Palace in Northwestern Beijing in 1860. The kettle dates back to the late Western Zhou Dynasty (1046—771BCE)

China's National Cultural Heritage Commission has been credited with helping repatriate the Chinese artifact, which was set to be auctioned off in the UK early last year by the artifact's private holder. After six-months of negotiations, Chinese authorities were able to secure the return of the tri-footed water holder.

It arrived back in China in November.

In a bid to capitalize on the Spring Festival holiday, the Museum has launched a special exhibition for the kettle.

It includes details of its functionality, the patterns and inscriptions on the relic, as well as an explanation of how authorities were able to secure its return to China.

The exhibition is free for one month.