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Arts of China (Online)
Online course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
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From ancient jade and bronze to later paintings, textiles, ceramics and decorative arts, this course follows the development of Chinese art up to the modern period.
With this online ticket, you can tune in to watch every lecture live as it is delivered, or you can learn at your own pace. Lecture recordings and study materials, lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials are available in our secure Microsoft Teams environment for 10 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a thing. And finally, join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students in our online discussions, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.
If you would prefer to join this course in-person at V&A South Kensington, you have two options: attend the lectures live, or upgrade your experience with five complementary gallery talks.
With this online ticket, you can tune in to watch every lecture live as it is delivered, or you can learn at your own pace. Lecture recordings and study materials, lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials are available in our secure Microsoft Teams environment for 10 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a thing. And finally, join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students in our online discussions, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.
If you would prefer to join this course in-person at V&A South Kensington, you have two options: attend the lectures live, or upgrade your experience with five complementary gallery talks.
Course Leader
Dr. Helen Glaister
Art Historian Dr Helen Glaister specialises in Chinese Ceramics and Decorative Arts. Before the V&A, she worked at the British Museum and Birkbeck, University of London. Helen was awarded her PhD from SOAS, where she still teaches. Current research focusses collections history, Chinese lacquer and ceramics of the late modern period.
For me the course is pitched at exactly the right level and I really enjoyed the combination of broad learning with some much more details lectures on specific topics. Excellent balance, and wonderful lecturers. Previous V&A Academy Attendee
Course overview
From ancient tombs to the imperial palaces of Beijing, this Asian art course traces the rich artistic and cultural history of China. Jade, bronze and ceramic artefacts provide some of the earliest evidence of sophisticated art forms, reflecting aspects of diverse belief systems and ritual practices. Trade and religion connected often distant communities, along the fabled Silk Routes on land and sea, introducing new artistic currents and the influx of luxury items to China – silver, glass, ivory and precious stones – and the export of silk and ceramics prized as rare commodities abroad. From tea wares to court robes and literati treasures, the V&A collection reflects the wealth of artistic traditions found across China throughout the imperial period and up to the modern age.
V&A Academy Online. A learning environment you can trust
Our courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live or catch up on demand. Join discussions and continue your learning with downloadable handouts and presentations. Find out more >>
Enrol now
Online course: Arts of China (Online)
22 September 2025 - 24 November 2025
£300.00
Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
