Co-hosted by the Russian Museum of Ethnography, the exhibition Cocoon of Traditions: Silk in the National Cultures of Eurasia is on display in China from August 2, 2024 to February 16, 2025, scheduled to be touring in two Chinese museums.
The exhibition features 283 silk objects from the Russian Museum of Ethnography, showcasing the diversity and profound heritage of silk cultures across Eurasia. Exhibits include silk robes from China, elaborate textiles from Central Asia, luxurious and colorful carpets from Iran, headscarves from southeast Caucasus, famous gold woven Slutsk belts, and elegant accessories of Russian silk garments.
Silk, as one of China’s most important inventions, spread very fast throughout Eurasia and gave rise to an entire network of sericulture centers. Over time, silk began to be regarded as their hallmarks by many countries. This unique commodity, not only demonstrated the wealth and social status of its owners, but also facilitated the cultural exchanges among the regions along the ancient Silk Road. This exhibition presents a panoramic view of the distinctiveness of silk objects from each region, and reveals the exchanges and integration of the silk cultures among different ethnic groups.
The exhibition is being held at the Shenzhen Nanshan Museum from August 2 to November 10, and will be toured to the Hubei Provincial Museum from November 22, 2024 to February 16, 2025.
Sources: Russian Museum of Ethnography, Shenzhen SAR News