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Room 95 will close at 17.00 on Thursday 19 November 2009
Porcelain was first produced in China around AD 600. The skilful transformation of ordinary clay into beautiful objects has captivated the imagination of people throughout history and across the globe.
Chinese ceramics, by far the most advanced in the world, were made for the imperial court, the domestic market, or for export. Sir Percival David mostly collected objects of imperial quality or of traditional Chinese taste.
Moon-shaped flask with birds, Yongzheng mark and period, AD 1723-35
Moon-shaped flask with birds
Longquan porcelain pear-shaped covered ewer
Longquan porcelain pear-shaped covered ewer, Yuan dynasty, 14th century AD
Two large porcelain temple-vases, Yuan dynasty, 1351
Two large porcelain temple-vases
Seven porcelain bowls, Ming dynasty, 1465-1487
Seven porcelain bowls
Within this gallery of almost 1,700 objects are examples of the finest Chinese ceramics in the world, dating from the 3rd to the 20th century. Some are unique creations, while others were mass-produced in batches of several hundred at a time. Technological innovations and the use of regional raw materials mean that Chinese ceramics are visually diverse.
Chinese Ceramics: Highlights of the Sir Percival David CollectionBy Regina Krahl and Jessica Harrison-Hall Published April 2009 by the British Museum Press Paperback, £12.99. Buy online
White chocolate mummy with tin, £6.99
Explore the cultures of the world in UK museums on the World Timelines website.
