Human world
China is one of the world's oldest civilisations.
China had good trade links across the Silk Road. This great route linking China to the Mediterranean lands was named after the valuable Chinese silks traded along it.
By the 12th century China had strong links with its neighbours - Korea, Japan, South East Asia and Tibet.
China was trading with Europe from the 1500s. By the 19th century Liverpool merchants were an important part of the China trade.
Liverpool families who were involved in shipping offered many exported Chinese objects to this museum. You can see some of them here.
Follow the links in the navigation panel to explore more of these collections.