CHINESE treasures, many of which have been in storage for decades, have gone on display at Durham university's Oriental Museum.

They include an extremely rare 19th century bed which is almost a room in its own right, standing more than 9ft high and 6ft across - and it even has an antechamber at the front.

Lavishly inlaid with ivory, and bearing a poetic insciption on one panel, it was bought by the British merchant and opium trader, Lancelot Dent, a key figure in the early history of Hong Kong.

The bed is one of many fascinating treasures now occupying a new Chinese gallery in the museum developed with lottery money to expand the exhibition space.

It opened last weekend, along with the refurbished Egyptian and writing galleries, after a ten-month closure.

Other exhibits in the Discovering China gallery include a selection of costumes, such as concubines' skirts, court official mandarin squares and scholars' outfits. There is also a stunning collection of jades, ivory, horn and woodcarving.

The central section of the room represents a typical Chinese building with an upturned roof. Four sections are devoted to modern and ancient oriental society, decorative arts, court life and the silk route.

There are tiny shoes won by Chinese women whose feet were bound in childhood, life-size models of farmyards and farm animals from eighth century burial tombs and even a New Year lion.

Visitors can also learn about the geography, history and culture of China, as well as discovering more about its religious and spiritual beliefs. Children will be able to dress up in replica Chinese clothes, and people can find out about their Chinese star sign.

Founded in 1960, the Oriental Museum has about 20,000 items with the Chinese collection representing well over half. It adjoins the university's department of East Asian studies in Elvet Hill.

Prof Sir Kenneth Calman, vice-chancellor, said: "This is truly the Far East coming to the North-East."

l Tours of the new gallery will be held on Sunday from 12.30.