The collection, which had been on loan to the British Museum since 2009, has now been donated to the museum by the Percival David Foundation. It includes works such as a pair of blue and white porcelain vases from 1351, small porcelain cups from the late 15th century and many other rare antiques.

“This is the greatest legacy in the long history of the British Museum,” said George Osborne, chairman of the British Museum. “It is a real vote of confidence in our future.”

With this gift, the British Museum will own a ceramics collection of 10,000 Chinese ceramic artifacts, becoming one of the largest and most important collections outside of China.

Born in 1892, Percival David, a British businessman, had a deep passion for China, which inspired him to learn Chinese and collect ceramics - mainly those of royal quality or with a strong Chinese tradition - to build his own collection.

UK Arts Minister Chris Bryant said the collection would "help educate and open the eyes of the next generation".

The British Museum said it would support exhibitions at the Shanghai Museum in China and the Metropolitan Museum in New York by lending some ceramics.

Porcelain was first produced in China around 600 AD and is still considered the most advanced ceramics in the world. Ceramic artifacts were made for the imperial court, for the domestic market, or for export.

Ha Trang (according to CNN)