CHINESE ART

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21536, 27 July 1935, Page 17

CHINESE ART

CRUISER'S VALUABLE CARGO EXHIBITION IN LONDON (IHUTISH OFFICIAL WIHBLE33.) RUGBY, July 25. The cruiser Suffolk reached Portsmouth to-day with a consignment of art treasures of a vaiue variously estimated at between £2,000,000 and £10,000,000. This probably is the first time that a British warship has carried work:; of art.

The Suffolk, which has returned for a refit, by special arrangement between the Chinese and British Governments, transported the exhibits, which are being lent from the Imperial collection tor an exhibition of Chinese art, to be held in London in „he autumn at Burlington House, on the lines of the Italian and Persian exhibitions of recent years. Special precautions had been taken 1 during each stage of the (journey. After -. Uoading, neany 100 cases containing more than 100.0 items, including ivories, bronzes, sculptures, paintings, carvings, porcelain, jewels and rare books, were taken by road to London on Government lorries under a strong police escort.

Museum experts will arrive later from China to supervise the unpacking of the objects, which illustrate 4000 years .of Chinese art.

When the Suffolk, 9800-ton cruiser of >he Fifth Squadron, stationed in Chinese waters, steams to Portsmouth she will be making history, stated a writer in a'.i English paper last month. She will carry Chinese art treasures of such fabulous worth that no one can yet make a reckoning. Along with theso treasures, which art for the Winter Exhibition of Chinese Art opening in November, will travel two Chinese secretaries, unofficial of- the treasure. But the collecting, packing, and storing of the treasures .om Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore will bo under the command of two nava) men, Admiral Sir Frederic Dryer. Com-mander-in-Chief of the China station. and Captain Erroi Manners, A.D.C. This is the first time a warship has carried such extraordinary cargo. The idea grew out of a request by the Chinese authorities for an armed escort for the original treasure ship through waters where pirates lurk. As the exhibition is going to be held, for the first time, under part patronage of the British Government, the Admiralty decided to lend the cruiser.