British Museum receives major bequest of Chinese artworks

The British Museum has received “one of the most significant bequests” in its history from Sir Joseph Hotung, who has gifted the institution an outstanding collection of Chinese porcelain and jades.

The artworks formed part of the personal collection of Hotung, a business, philanthropist, art collector and former trustee of the museum who died last year. 

The bequest includes 246 jades, 15 very fine Yuan and Ming dynasty blue-and-white porcelains and a dry lacquer head of a Bodhisattva, which are due to be displayed in the coming months.

“Our father thoroughly enjoyed collecting and studying exquisite art and it was his belief that art should be accessible to everyone,” his family said. 

“We are pleased that our father’s collections will now be viewed by the millions of visitors who pass through the British Museum every year.”

Prior to his death, Hotung donated millions of pounds to sponsor the refurbishment of three galleries at the museum: the Joseph E Hotung Gallery for China, South Asian and South East Asia; the Sir Joseph Hotung Centre for Ceramic Studies, which includes the Sir Percival David Collection of Chinese Ceramics; and the Hotung Gallery in the Great Court.

George Osborne, chair of the museum’s board, said his bequest “is one of the most generous gifts we’ve ever received”.

“It means future generations will be able to enjoy these beautiful objects and learn more about the extraordinary history of China.”