A book recording Chinese antiquities collected by London's Victoria and Albert Museum was published by the National Museum of China. [Photo/National Musuem of China]

9. Book published on Chinese antiquities in the British museum

A book recording Chinese antiquities collected by London's Victoria and Albert Museum was published by the National Museum of China (NMC) in March this year.

Compiled mainly by the NMC, the book is the first volume of a series documenting Chinese antiquities in overseas collections. The volume featuring the Victoria and Albert Museum is the product of 10 years' work. It covers 195 exquisite antiquities, including 102 pieces of china, 31 bronze items, 22 painted wood pieces, as well as gold, silver and jade treasures.

The NMC decided in 2005 to start compiling the series, which will eventually comprise 20 to 30 volumes. The series covers the status of Chinese antiquities collected overseas and international academic research into the items. Other editions, including the British Museum part, will be published later.