Video PlayerClose
CHANGSHA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese customs have intercepted four boxes of insect-ridden ancient books imported from Japan, authorities said Monday.
Customs staff found more than 10 types of insects and their larvae in the thread-bound books during inspections in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province.
The boxes contained more than 200 books, mostly dating back to Japan's Meiji Period (1868-1912). The earliest was published in 1466.
These books carry dangerous insects, said customs official Liang Dong. Experts spent three days sifting the insects from the books.
In recent years, more wealthy Chinese people are buying antiques from Japan, including paintings and porcelain.
