Four cultural relics were seized last week by the Tianjin Customs among old furniture and artworks which were scheduled to be exported to France.

The four cultural relics were identified by experts from the local cultural heritage department as relief wood carvings dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The carvings are banned from export, and may serve as reference for studying ancient residences, the experts said.

The goods were to be exported by a company registered in southern China's Shenzhen City, according to the customs.
 
(Xinhua Nwes Agency February 17, 2004)