China's Hidden Century

Curated by Jessica Harrison-Hall and produced with the collaboration of over 100 scholars from 14 countries, the exhibition China's Hidden Century at the British Museum, is an interesting opportunity to explore one of the most important and turbulent periods in Chinese history. The exhibition presents a wide range of art objects, photographs and historical documents that take us on a journey through the period between the end of the Qing Empire in 1911 and the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Rather than following a conventional timeline, China's Hidden Century explores the themes and issues that span this transitional historical period making it very accessible and engaging for visitors, regardless of their level of knowledge of Chinese history. Magnificent sculptures in wood and bronze, antique porcelain and fine fabrics are among the artworks on display. A rich selection of photographs - such as those taken by Henri Cartier-Bresson during his trip to China in the 1940s - document the daily life of the Chinese during the civil war period. Another original experience is the reconstruction of a typical 1930s Chinese house, made of wood, offering visitors the opportunity to enter and explore its interiors, with furniture of the period and everyday objects.