British Museum Acquires £1 Billion Chinese Ceramics Collection
Record-setting donation enriches museum's Chinese ceramics holdings
The British Museum is to receive a Chinese ceramics collection valued at £1 billion from the Sir Percival David Foundation, marking the highest-value donation ever for a UK museum.
These 1,700 items, collected by Sir Percival David (1892-1964), range from the third to the 20th century and have been on loan to the museum since 2009.
The acquisition will elevate the museum's collection to 10,000 pieces, making it one of the most significant collections outside the Chinese-speaking world.
Highlights include vases from 1351 and a 'chicken cup' from the era of the Chenghua emperor.
Museum director Dr. Nicholas Cullinan noted that this donation will provide a remarkable opportunity for further study and enjoyment of Chinese art.
The final transfer of ownership requires approval from the Charity Commission, and plans include lending pieces to the Shanghai Museum and the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
The government's arts minister, Sir Chris Bryant, expressed deep gratitude for this act of generosity, hoping it inspires more philanthropic pursuits.
These 1,700 items, collected by Sir Percival David (1892-1964), range from the third to the 20th century and have been on loan to the museum since 2009.
The acquisition will elevate the museum's collection to 10,000 pieces, making it one of the most significant collections outside the Chinese-speaking world.
Highlights include vases from 1351 and a 'chicken cup' from the era of the Chenghua emperor.
Museum director Dr. Nicholas Cullinan noted that this donation will provide a remarkable opportunity for further study and enjoyment of Chinese art.
The final transfer of ownership requires approval from the Charity Commission, and plans include lending pieces to the Shanghai Museum and the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
The government's arts minister, Sir Chris Bryant, expressed deep gratitude for this act of generosity, hoping it inspires more philanthropic pursuits.
