The Museum of Asian Art Chinese collection includes about 3,500 items. Most items come from the collection of Gregoris Manos, while the Chinese porcelain is taken from the Christos Chiotakis collection.
These exhibits include pieces of pottery, porcelain, brass works of art, sculpture, cloisonné, lacquer objects, ivory, miniatures, clothing, jewellery and coins. A selection of the museum’s Chinese collection is exhibited in the east wing of the first floor.
China has one the oldest civilizations in the world. It covers a vast and diverse geographic area, and its history was shaped by the constant ebb and flow of the dynasties, whose names define the respective periods of Chinese culture.
The miniatures of the Chinese collection include bottles and objects from semi-precious raw materials such as ivory, jade and various other materials.
The use of lacquer for the construction or decoration of a variety of vessels, furniture and other utilitarian objects, such as boxes for cosmetics or food storage was already known in the early Chinese dynasties.
The Chinese export porcelain from the Xiotakis collection dates from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It was manufactured in China and exported to Europe for the needs of European aristocracy.
