Collections

Visit the Wallace Collection during the Year of the Pig and find a surprising number of Chinese treasures hidden amongst the gilt and glamour of the French Rococo: beautiful celadon vases transformed for the European market with the addition of ornate gilt-bronze mounts and handles; pumpkin-shaped pot-pourri bowls decorated with trailing vines symbolising longevity and a French commode veneered with panels of Chinese lacquer.

Look carefully at the commode and see if you can find anything strange about the way a bird is roosting on one of the side panels.

Downstairs in the oriental armoury you can see two Chinese swords, one of which is covered with exquisite cloisonné enamel designs with a cloud dragon running up the side. A beautiful suit of Mandarin armour stands at one side of the gallery. See its soft brocaded silk tunic and hunt for dragons embroidered in gold thread..