Click on any of the images below to see a larger version of the
object and find out more about it.
The displays in the China section of the gallery focus mainly on
material from China's last dynasty, the Qing dynasty (1644-1911),
and in particular on material associated with the Manchu rulers of
the Qing.
Other displays also feature ceramics from the Cultural
Revolution period (1966-1976), as well as displays which present
material related to the Chinese burial and conceptions of the
afterlife, to eating, decorative arts, the arts of the scholar, and
the export trade from China to Europe during the 17th and 18th
centuries.
Japan
The displays for Japan reflect aspects of life during the
Tokugawa period (1615–1868), such as the role of the
samurai warrior, the clothing and accessories of ordinary
townspeople (including netsuke toggles), commercial and
artistic interaction with the West, and participation in the tea
ceremony.
There is also a selection of the highly popular woodblock
prints, which will be changed regularly according to the season. In
the 20th century, the continuation of craft traditions can be seen
in the high-quality domestic wares, and in the 21st century
ceramics, glass and jewellery demonstrate the lively world of
studio crafts.
Korea
The displays in the Korean mainly present material from the
Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). The major types of Joseon dynasty
ceramics are displayed. These include the early Joseon stoneware
known as buncheong, and both plain white and underglaze
blue painted porcelains from the later part of the dynasty.
Other Joseon period material on display includes dress and
accessories used in everyday life. Ceramics from earlier periods
also feature, most notably from the Goryeo (936–1392) and the Three
Kingdoms Period (57 BC–AD 668).