SOAS Artefacts

SOAS Digital Library's collections contain images of art works and artefacts from the School of Oriental and African Studies which are kept in the Brunei Gallery and SOAS Library. These artefacts are not only treasures of the school but also resources for teaching and research which are used to further and impart knowledge. The SOAS Digital Library provides a rare opportunity to view these artefacts.

Throughout SOAS’s history, the collection has become distinguished through gifts from the public as well as the School’s teachers and Governors, such as, Sir Reginald F. Johnston (Professor of Chinese from 1931-1937) who is probably best known as the tutor of the last Emperor of China, Puyi; Sir Percival David (1892-1964), internationally well-known art collector and scholar in Chinese ceramics, Frederick Anderson, Governor of the School from 1917-1939 and Lord Harlech, Chairman of the Governing Body from 1945-1951.

Woodblock prints from China and Japan are well represented in the SOAS Digital Library. The 18-19th Century Japanese colour prints, books, illustrations and sketch albums came to the Library via donation, with outstanding portraits of kabuki actors by Shunshō, Shunkō and Shun’ei of the Katsukawa school from the late 18th century. Over a hundred Chinese Woodblock popular prints include New Year pictures (年画 nianhua) produced in Suzhou predominantly in the 18th and 19th centuries. Furthermore, 18th Century Ottoman books and Ottoman costume sketch books can be found within the Digital Library.  

The Digital Library currently holds 264 items but the more items in various formats will be added.