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Explore A Vast Emporium: Artistic exchange and innovation in a global age with curator Russell Kelty.
The discovery of sea routes that directly connected Europe to the vast maritime world of Asia enabled the creation of a global trading community. For the first time, Europeans had direct access to a wealth of luxurious commodities such as lustrous Chinese porcelain, vivid Indian textiles, and elegant Japanese lacquer.
Photo: Nat Rogers
