Donor: David and Anne Hyatt King, via the Artfund 

Production place: Japan

Date range: 18th century to mid-20th century

Size of collection: more than 2,500 pieces

David initially planned to collect Chinese paintings, however following advice from a friend of his father's he turned his attention to Japanese ceramics, and especially porcelain. 

Over the course of his life, David amassed an incredible collection of ceramics representing a wide variety of forms and decorative styles including numerous works from important kilns such as Hirado and potting dynasties including the Seifu family.  David was generous with his collection, making donations of ceramics to the British Museum, V&A, National Museum of Scotland, Ashmolean Museum, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and National Museum of Wales.  

In 2016 David and his wife Anne, gave the largest part of their collection to the Oriental Museum. The gift of over 2,500 objects (including scrolls and other non-ceramic works) from David and his wife Anne, represents the single largest donation to the Oriental Museum's Japanese collection to date.  The donation was accompanied by an extensive archive and library, providing an incredible insight into David's collecting journey.  

The Oriental Museum's curators are currently working with David's family to create an exhibition opening on 2 October 2026 to mark a decade since this incredible gift arrived at the museum and to celebrate the life of this remarkable collector.