The company listed the pieces on its online art theft register in the hope that someone may recognise them.

The items included a Chinese hot water urn, Japanese beaker vases, and Chinese plates and platters.

The Cape Times reported that the exhibits of 18th and 19th century household items were stolen from the Manor House, on the Groot Constantia wine farm, sometime before Monday morning.

Iziko Museums chief executive Rooksana Omar said it was not clear how the burglars gained entry.

"Iziko Museums pro-actively seeks to protect and secure its collections from such occurrences. Despite these precautions, our collections still remain vulnerable," she said.

"The theft of heritage objects is an international phenomenon. Museums across the globe are battling an ever-increasing number of targeted onslaughts."

The museum exhibits furniture, paintings, textiles, ceramics, brass and copperware from the homes of successful Cape farmers.

Police are investigating.