The blue and white porcelain pieces are among the exhibits at the ongoing show. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Also, many pieces on display have pictures of women on them. These well-dressed women are seen playing along rivers, playing chess and appreciating art.

This, Leung says, shows that the social status of women was good during that period, as it was rare to see female images on porcelain before that period.

Another part of the show focuses on porcelain exported overseas, including to Asia and Europe.

According to historical documents, the Dutch East India Company exported nearly 12 million pieces of porcelain over 1602-82.

Leung says compared with domestic porcelain which stressed artistry, the exports were mainly for decorative purposes, and often had iconic Chinese elements on them.

In addition to the porcelain show, there is also an exhibition of furniture from the Ming Dynasty and an exhibition of bronzeware and stationery from the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736-96).

All three exhibitions are being held by private collectors in conjunction with Guardian Art Center, which opened in October in Beijing.

If you go

10 am-6 pm, through Nov 19. 1 Wangfujing Avenue, Dongcheng district, Beijing. 010-6518-9968.