China: Journey to the East

An earthenware roof tile, 1480-1620, in the form of the general Guan Yu riding his magic horse. Recent examination revealed an original inscription from the foreman in black ink, instructing the builders exactly where to place it on the ridge of the roof Photograph: ©The Trustees of the British Museum

A jade bi disc over 3,000 years old. The function and meaning of these mysterious discs are unknown. Jade was believed to confer immortality, and they are often found laid on or next to bodies in ancient Chinese burials. This one has an inscription by an 18th-century emperor, wrongly identifying it as a cup holder Photograph: ©The Trustees of the British Museum

An abacus made of wood with porcelain beads. A modern version of one of the oldest calculators on earth, still commonly used in Chinese shops. This one was made in Taiwan in 1984 by the artist Qian Haosun Photograph: ©The Trustees of the British Museum

A porcelain ewer in the form of female lute player, Jiangzi province, 1600-1620 Photograph: ©The Trustees of the British Museum

A shadow puppet horse, made from painted donkey hide between 1850 and 1950 Photograph: ©The Trustees of the British Museum

Another shadow puppet, this time a sedan chair and four carriers, made in Hubei province at around the same time Photograph: ©The Trustees of the British Museum

A shadow puppet tiger, dating from the same period and province Photograph: ©The Trustees of the British Museum

A collection of pastries made as food for the dead, preserved in pristine condition for over 1,300 years in the desert sand of Xinjiang province, where they were excavated from a tomb in the 1920s Photograph: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images

Miniature Beijing opera characters modelled in wax, taken from a toy theatre Photograph: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images

A stoneware incense burner from the 15th century Photograph: ©The Trustees of the British Museum