The British Museum is set to receive a remarkable gift of Chinese ceramics valued at £1 billion, marking it as one of the highest-value donations ever made to a museum in the UK. This significant contribution, sourced from the Sir Percival David Foundation, elevates the museum’s standing as a leading institution for Chinese antiques outside of the Chinese-speaking world.
The collection comprises 1,700 items that span from the third to the twentieth century. These artifacts have been on long-term loan at the museum since 2009 and include works of exceptional quality. Sir Percival David, an Indian-born British businessman who lived from 1892 to 1964, amassed this impressive collection throughout his travels in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, and China.
Museum director Dr. Nicholas Cullinan remarked that this donation provides visitors and researchers with “the incredible opportunity to study and enjoy some of the finest examples of Chinese craftsmanship available.” The museum’s collection of Chinese ceramics will increase to a total of 10,000 pieces, showcasing items such as:
Dr. Cullinan expressed his gratitude towards the trustees of the Sir Percival David Foundation for entrusting this unparalleled collection to the museum.
The foundation’s intent behind this donation stems from Sir Percival’s wish for his private collection to be publicly displayed, aiming to inspire and educate future generations. However, the final transfer of ownership requires consent from the Charity Commission.
Following this historic donation, selected pieces are expected to be loaned to esteemed institutions such as the Shanghai Museum in China and the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant praised this act of generosity, expressing hope that it might encourage similar contributions from others.
As discussions about cultural heritage continue, this donation not only enriches the British Museum but also fosters cross-cultural appreciation—an essential endeavor in today’s global society.
British Museum Receives Historic Donation of Chinese Ceramics In a groundbreaking move, the British Museum is set to receive a remarkable donation of Chinese ceramics valued at £1 billion, marking it as the highest-value gift ever received by a museum in the UK.
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