Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art, Chinese ceramics collection at British Museum, United Kingdom.
The Percival David Foundation is a collection of approximately 1,700 Chinese ceramic pieces including porcelain and stonewares, arranged chronologically from the 10th to 18th century in a dedicated gallery space. These objects span different kiln traditions and decorative styles, providing a thorough overview of Chinese ceramic development through the ages.
Sir Percival David began collecting Chinese ceramics in 1913 and made several trips to China to acquire valuable pieces for his personal collection. He later donated his holdings to an educational institution, ensuring these objects would be preserved and shared with the public.
The collection showcases imperial porcelain from Jingdezhen, including the renowned David Vases from 1351, revealing how Chinese potters developed their craft over time. Walking through the pieces, visitors can observe the evolution of decorative techniques and the mastery shown in each dynasty's work.
The collection is accessible during regular opening hours, with information materials and a specialized research library available on site for visitors interested in deeper study. Remember that these ceramic objects are fragile, so visitors should follow all posted guidelines while viewing the pieces.
The collection holds rare Ru stoneware from the Song dynasty, prized for its fine crackle patterns and subtle color gradations that collectors find especially desirable. A particularly noteworthy piece is a Ming chicken cup associated with Emperor Chenghua, valued for its refined design and historical importance within imperial ceramics.
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