Myriad worlds

Rare items from a Qatari royal collection of ancient and modern artifacts are on display at the Palace Museum in Beijing. Wang Kaihao reports.

A kaleidoscopic collection of Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah al-Thani, a Qatari royal, is on show at Beijing's Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City.

The two-part exhibition, Treasures from the Al Thani Collection, began on April 17 and is showcasing some 280 rare artifacts and more than 270 jewels and gems from different places.

"Many people asked me why I began this collection," Al Thani said at the opening ceremony. "That is rooted in my devotion and love for history and beauty."

He says the exhibition will help deepen people's understanding of fine craftsmanship.

He would like people to know about the rare characteristics of different cultures as well as the common spirit they shared, he added.

Starting with a few items that are both enthralling in appearance and of historical value, according to Al Thani, his collection of artifacts has grown to more than 6,000 items. And an individual pursuit has turned into an educational program for people through such exhibitions.