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Autumn Show 2023
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The British Museum, What Is it? The Case of the Stein Collection

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Year 1

For a visitor to London, the British Museum is a MUST in one’s itinerary. To me, there is no exception. I marvel at the majestic building and exquisite exhibits. Each time discovering new findings, I begin to wonder, with such rich collections from around the world what could be done in sharing the value of these treasures with the world.



In particular, for the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang, there is no better place than the British Museum to uncover this ancient culture which is contained in its Stein Collection. To my disappointment, only fragments of the Stein collection are on display without relating its contribution to the history of the Silk Road. Taking the case of the Stein collection in the British Museum as an example, it is time to review the past missed opportunities, the present deficiencies and the future improvements in the way forward for our anthropology museums.

Map showing portions of Chinese Turkestan and Kansu to illustrate the explorations of Dr. M. Aurel Stein. The Geographical Journal, Volume XXXVII, Jan-June, 1911. Photograph by Author at the RGS.

Chapter 1: An Antique

Map showing portions of Chinese Turkestan and Kansu to illustrate the explorations of Dr. M. Aurel Stein. The Geographical Journal, Volume XXXVII, Jan-June, 1911. Photograph by Author at the RGS.

According to the British Museum search engine, their Stein Collection has approximately more than 14,000 bjects. Though only 120 objects are currently on display.

Chapter 2: Illegal or Moral? Or Neither?

According to the British Museum search engine, their Stein Collection has approximately more than 14,000 bjects. Though only 120 objects are currently on display.

The 7th May 1914 inaugural exhibition of the King Edward VII galleries featured artefacts discovered by Sir Marc Aurel Stein on his Second Central Asian Expedition. Photographs from IDP images.

Chapter 3: Gallery 33

The 7th May 1914 inaugural exhibition of the King Edward VII galleries featured artefacts discovered by Sir Marc Aurel Stein on his Second Central Asian Expedition. Photographs from IDP images.

The Sir Joseph Hotung Gallery of China and South Asia. Photographs by Author.

Chapter 3: Gallery 33

The Sir Joseph Hotung Gallery of China and South Asia. Photographs by Author.

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The Bartlett
Autumn Show 2023
26 September – 6 October
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