The collection of plates by the most important collector in the history of the British Museum

This collection of ceramic plates, once owned by Augustus Wollaston Franks, is a trip back in time to everyday objects.

Franks was known for his passion for collecting completely different objects. Among them were porcelain, metal and wooden products that reflected the cultures and traditions of different peoples. Over the years his collection grew, and although he acquired many rarities for himself, many of them found their place in the collection of the British Museum.

One of the most honored places in the Franks collection was a collection of plates, which were mainly brought from Japan and China. Some of them are decorated with patterns. There are also those that contain images of scenes of everyday life, drawings of plants, animals, and even insects.

In addition to Asian plates, the collection also includes European rarities originating from England and Italy. These pieces reflect the grandeur and diversity of European culture, from classic to experimental designs.

Marjorie Cagill, British Museum historian, described Franks as "perhaps the most important collector in the history of the British Museum and one of the greatest collectors of his time".

Most of the items in Franks' collections became the property of the British Museum by will after his death in 1897.

Source: britishmuseum.org