Cracks in security? Qing dynasty ceramics damaged in British Museum display
Two Chinese ceramics at the British Museum have been damaged while on display and are being restored, sparking fresh debate over how museums should safely exhibit fragile cultural treasures. The museum confirmed on Friday that a bowl had fallen from its shelf and landed on a small box on the bottom shelf, damaging both pieces. “Both objects are already with our expert conservation team for…
Two Qing dynasty ceramics from the Sir Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art were damaged while on display at the British Museum, leading to calls for improved security measures. On October 4, a bowl fell from its shelf and smashed a smaller box on the bottom shelf. Both objects, dating to the Kangxi period (1662-1722) of the Qing dynasty, are now undergoing restoration.
The British Museum confirmed the incident and stated they would continue investigating how the damage occurred. The bowl, catalogued as B629, depicts women engaged in cultural activities set against a garden scene, while the box features a Buddha's hand citron design. Room 95, where the damaged ceramics were displayed, was closed and reopened the following day after the broken fragments were removed.
The museum cited no signs of failure in the shelf or mount that held the objects. The incident has reignited discussions online about how museums should protect fragile artifacts, with some expressing concern over the museum's security protocols.
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