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Arts of China (In-Person)
Year course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
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Come with us to explore ancient royal tombs and imperial palaces, and journey along fabled silk routes over land and sea…
Step inside the V&A and discover one of the most significant collections of Chinese art outside of China. Delve beyond the display cases with subject specialists to reveal the wonders of iconic Chinese jades, bronzes, ceramics, and more from the V&A’s collections and beyond. On this course, you'll join the experts to embark on a captivating journey of discovery through Chinese art, with exclusive access to V&A treasures and experts...
...Want to know more? Take a look at the course programme for the full schedule, or book now to start your journey of discovery.
Your bespoke learning experience:
Step inside the V&A and discover one of the most significant collections of Chinese art outside of China. Delve beyond the display cases with subject specialists to reveal the wonders of iconic Chinese jades, bronzes, ceramics, and more from the V&A’s collections and beyond. On this course, you'll join the experts to embark on a captivating journey of discovery through Chinese art, with exclusive access to V&A treasures and experts...
...Want to know more? Take a look at the course programme for the full schedule, or book now to start your journey of discovery.
Your bespoke learning experience:
- Ask the experts: Pose your questions directly to V&A experts and subject specialists in our Q&As.
- Behind-the-scenes learning: Access industry insights and learn about how collections are researched, conserved, and interpreted.
- Join a community of learners: Engage with fellow enthusiasts in a supportive, discussion-rich environment.
- Miss a week? No stress: Access recordings of all your lectures as well as study materials through your secure Microsoft Teams online course environment.
Looking to dive deeper? Upgrade your experience with five expert-led gallery talks.
For more details, see V&A Academy online questions · V&A
For more details, see V&A Academy online questions · V&A
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
V&A Academy. A learning environment you can trust.
Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Get precious time with incredible exemplars, as well as with our expert tutors and your fellow learners. Find out more >>
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.
Love the sound of this course? Don't forget to look out for the next instalment Arts of Japan coming up in January 2026.
Love the sound of this course? Don't forget to look out for the next instalment Arts of Japan coming up in January 2026.
Enrol now
Year course: Arts of China (In-Person)
22 September 2025 - 24 November 2025
£500.00
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)
