The British Museum in London has opened an exhibit that exclusively showcases the rich artworks from the golden age of the Ming dynasty in China, which put the country in the center of the world for its global influences back in the 15th century.

The exhibit called "Ming: 50 Years that Changed China" provides a glimpse of Chinese history between 1400 to 1450, from the great opium wars to the construction of the Great Wall, but mainly emphasizing on the way of life during that epoch.

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Around 280 items from said era are on display, including intricately designed and jewel-emblazoned vases, a 30-foot long scroll that is painted on bamboo, artworks that depict everyday scenarios in China, as well as bronze Buddha statues.

The London exhibit also features items from the Ming dynasty porcelain production and other works inspired by the Middle Eastern candlesticks that were made from Asian jade and Syrian glass.

The items not only give a clue on how members of the elite and of the Imperial Court lived privileged lives, but also on how other members of Chinese society went about their daily existence.

The exhibit aims to show the country's culture, the ways of the government and China's position in the global scene during the Ming era. The 15th century also shows the pivotal 50-year period when the capital was moved from Nanjing to the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Exhibit organizers say the way of life and the porcelain production in the Ming era are a great reflection of the international connections of China with other countries such as Japan, European countries and Somalia.

The exhibition is said to show the extent of China's wealth in terms of international trade and connectivity, which spans 100 years before the said era.

The exhibit opened last September 18 and will be available to the public until January 5, 2015.

TagsMing: 50 Years That Changed China, British Museum, Ming Dynasty