Collection
highlights
From deep prehistory to contemporary art, discover objects in a chronological dialogue between cultures.
Nine highlights
Choose an object to explore its origins, material and place in human history.
01c. 500,000 BCEHand Axe
One of the collection’s oldest objects captures the moment when stone became a carefully designed tool in human hands.
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02c. 1290 BCEFunerary Servant for Pharaoh Seti I
This deep-blue shabti was intended to serve Pharaoh Seti I in the afterlife.
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036th centuryBuddha Head
The serene face of the Buddha reflects the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Roads.
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041726–1727Astrolabe
A precision instrument that connected astronomy, timekeeping, navigation and faith.
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05c. 1300Basin of Bonifilius
A monumental carved basin that combines utility, status and medieval stone craftsmanship.
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0616th–19th centuriesCeremonial Samurai Armour
A complete suit of armour in which protection became a carefully constructed sign of rank and identity.
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071922Composition with Blue, Red, Yellow and Black
Mondrian makes line, primary colour and white space the true subjects of this radical composition.
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08c. 950–1000Dancing Shiva
Shiva Nataraja transforms the cosmic cycle of creation and destruction into a weightless bronze dance.
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09c. 1220Ewer Decorated with the Signs of the Zodiac
Twelve facets turn astronomy, courtly life and the zodiac into a silver-inlaid encyclopaedia.
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