Please Pass the Empress

Bob and I met at the British Museum this afternoon for a short visit; no matter how many times we're there, the Great Court always feels welcoming as we walk through its bright and airy space.

Making full use of the sunlight, these striking 15th-16th-century tiles are on display near the main entrance:

Originally from a temple roof in the northern province of Shanxi, the tiles were refashioned into a wall screen in the early 20th century, with some tiles being lost, as you can see in the gaps above. Symbols of good fortune, water, and rain, the dragons were thought to provide protection for the original temple complex. Further into the galleries, this decorated vessel is one of two bronze flagons, dating back to 450 BC, that were found in a grave in eastern France,

and these rare silver containers, buried in 5th-century Suffolk, once contained pepper:

Depending on the chosen setting, the bottom of the pepper pot kept the expensive spice safely inside, sprinkled pepper, or allowed for refilling. We walked through a few more galleries after this, but soon left to enjoy the sunshine (and sunset) on the streets instead . . .