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Chinese Ceramics (Room 95)
Sir Joseph Hotung Centre for Ceramic Studies
Sir Percival David Collection
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.
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Moon-shaped flask with birds, Yongzheng mark and period, AD 1723-35
More informationMoon-shaped flask with birds
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Longquan porcelain pear-shaped covered ewer
Longquan porcelain pear-shaped covered ewer, Yuan dynasty, 14th century AD
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Two large porcelain temple-vases, Yuan dynasty, 1351
More informationTwo large porcelain temple-vases
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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.
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Chinese Ceramics: Highlights of the Sir Percival
David Collection
By Regina Krahl and Jessica
Harrison-Hall
Published April 2009 by the British Museum Press
Paperback, £12.99.
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