Ming: 50 years that changed China

Sumptuous exhibition at the British Museum of objects from the golden 50 years of the Ming emperors reigns in China.

The exhibition set the context well and I loved the series of portraits of the emperors in question with identikit clothing but beautifully painted individual faces. It described the tradition of settling up courts around the empire and the importance these courts took on.

However the history seemed to cease to matter as the objects themselves were just so glorious. There was an amazing set of women’s jewellery from a tomb including a flower shaped hair ornament of the most delicate gold. Of course the ceramics were beautiful but I also loved the paintings and the lacquer work.

I liked the array of strange government department names such as the Department of Sweat Meats! Despite everything being very regal these names seemed to add a human everyday layer to the world being shown.

My favourite piece was a scroll showing different games to help train the army which seemed to include version of polo, golf and dancing. It was so detailed and felt quite contemporary.

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