The Museum of East Asian Art in Bath holds a collection of 2,000 artifacts mostly of Chinese origin and spanning 7000 years. In addition there are artifacts from other East Asian and South East Asian countries like Japan and Korea. Among the items in the permanent collection there are ceramics, metalware, carvings, bronze pieces, wood sculptures, jades and lacquerware. The Chinese bamboo carvings and wood carvings are considered some of the finest in Europe. The museum is housed in a Georgian house and is the only museum of its kind in the UK. The museum uses interesting and innovative ways of presenting the artifacts and art. There are special exhibitions, events and educational projects.
Some might ask why Bath was chosen as the venue for this unique museum. Bath has an historic link with Asia and China in particular. When the British were trading with China in porcelain and tea during the 18th century Bath was second only to London as a commercial center of trade with Asia. Drinking tea became very popular with the Bath society. The museum’s collection of Armorial Porcelain is a testament to the historical relationship between China and Bath. The pieces in this collection were made for well-to-do Bath families in the 18th century. The museum’s permanent collections are displayed in two upper galleries and temporary displays are regularly shown in the Franklin Tsu Gallery on the ground floor.