1921-2021
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The Oriental Ceramic Society
The Oriental Ceramic Society (OCS) is the leading international society for the study and appreciation of Asian art, with a special focus on ceramics. Founded in 1921, the Society has members throughout the world. Our Patron is HRH The Duke of Gloucester.
The OCS Celebrates 100 Years
Founded on the 31st January 1921 in a London drawing room, 2021 marks the centenary of the Oriental Ceramic Society.
We will celebrate this occasion with a landmark exhibition opening on October 14, 2021 and running through December 11, 2021.

The Society hosts lectures on all aspects of Asian art, particularly Chinese and Japanese ceramics, jades, paintings and Middle Eastern art. Lectures are held in London (usually in the Society of Antiquaries at the Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly). Evenings begin and end convivially with a glass of wine, providing a regular opportunity for members to meet one another and talk informally.
The Society also offers handling sessions of objects from museums, auction houses, private collections, as well as organises visits to public and private collections both in the United Kingdom and overseas.
Study and Appreciation of Oriental Art
Through lectures, handling sessions, tours, exhibitions and publications, the Society provides a forum for members to develop and exchange their knowledge with experts and fellow enthusiasts.
Upcoming Lectures & Events
Lü Dalin and Jades of the Song Dynasty
This special event is is our annual Woolf Jade Lecture ...
Blanc de Chine: A Continuous Conversation
This is a two-part presentation with Dr. Xiaoxin Li focussing on Blanc de Chine in the V&A collection and Peter Ting and Ying Jian discussing contemporary ceramic making in Dehua. ...
Chinese Painting and the Chinese Iconographic Thesaurus: New Directions in Art Historical Research
This special OCS talk is our annual Sonia Lightfoot Memorial Paintings Lecture. ...