On February 6th, the exhibition Ancient Chinese Culture: Costume and Adornment opened at the National Museum of China (NMC). It is the first exhibition organized by the NMC for illustrating the long and evolving history of Chinese costume culture and rituals by showing traditional costume and adornment in chronological order.
The exhibition, based on decades of academic research by Mr. Sun Ji and other scholars from NMC, is displayed in six parts according to historical periods. A total of nearly 130 pieces/sets of traditional costumes and adornments are showcased, supplemented by over 40 pieces/sets related objects and about 170 pictures and multimedia facilities, catering the audience a visual and knowledge feast. The exhibition not only vividly depicts the aesthetic orientation and typical scenes of ancient China costume, but also illustrates the evolving development of the Chinese costume through the changing dynasties with an in-depth elaboration on its social and cultural connotations.
In addition to a large number of physical objects, the exhibition also includes many drawings and 15 lifelike statutes dressing in traditional Chinese costume of different eras, thoroughly presenting the overall image of ancient Chinese costume and adornment and fully demonstrating the splendid physical and spiritual achievements of ancient China. In a sense, it could be seen as an abridged three-dimensional version of the history of ancient Chinese costume. The exhibition also sets an immersive experience area, combining traditional Chinese culture with modern technology to immerse visitors in "Chinese embroidery".
The exhibition will last for one year.
Source: National Museum of China (abridged)