Jointly organized by the Palace Museum and Guardian Art Center, with special support from the Shenyang Palace Museum, the Colours of Imperial Textiles and Court RegaliaIn The Qing Dynasty will open to the public on June 21, 2024, at the Guardian Art Center!

This exhibition is a major showcase of the Palace Museum's collection of court textiles and embroidery, with nearly 90% of the items being displayed for the first time. The garments of the Qing dynasty represent the last splendor of ancient Chinese silk and plant dyeing industries. This marks the sixth collaboration between the Guardian Art Center and the Palace Museum, presenting a rare and magnificent exhibition of Qing Dynasty court attire and its vibrant colors.

Over time, as silk textiles are protein fiber artifacts, their natural dyes tend to fade. The court's large collections have preserved these valuable textiles, which can now be seen in their authentic colors from centuries past. 

This exhibition will feature nearly a hundred rare Qing Dynasty court textiles from the Palace Museum, along with spectacular pieces from the Shenyang Palace Museum. The most exquisitely crafted and solemn garments, including ceremonial robes and sacrificial attire, will be showcased, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the ceremonial grandeur of national rituals. The exhibition will also present the seasonal and fashion trends of the court, including traditional garments worn by empresses and consorts. In addition to over forty complete outfits, the exhibition will display fabrics, accessories, and design sketches. Notably, the legendary "Feathered Garment" will make its debut.This exhibition aims to fully recreate the era's high-level weaving, dyeing, embroidery, brocade, and painting techniques of the Qing Dynasty court.

In ancient times, colors symbolized sacredness, order, and identity. Qing Dynasty rulers used color to establish order and ritual, and by the Qianlong era, the color system was perfected, incorporating the philosophies and rituals of Chinese culture along with the influences of Manchu, Han, Mongolian, and Tibetan cultures. The national and palace colors represent the pinnacle of Chinese traditional dyeing and embroidery, awaiting our careful preservation and revival to once again showcase the splendor of Chinese textiles in this colorful world.

Exhibition Period:June 21, 2024 - September 22, 2024  

Location:2nd Floor Exhibition Hall, Guardian Art Center  

Organizers: the Palace Museum, Guardian Art Center  

Special Support: Shenyang Palace Museum

Translator: SHEN Ruixuan

Reviewer: LI An