ST. LOUIS, June 8, 2022—The Saint Louis Art Museum will present “Chinese Silk Textiles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties,” an exhibition showcasing rare examples of clothing, embroideries, hangings and banners from the museum’s collection. The free exhibition opens July 1.
Chinese silk textiles were used for many different purposes and settings, mostly for the luxury and beauty they imparted. These include clothing and accessories, as well as furnishing fabrics and decorative pieces.
The exhibition will explore the diversity of Chinese silks, which varied in the numerous types of weaves employed and the many colors and patterns used. The show will also highlight common motifs on Chinese textiles, including animals and mythical creatures, floral and plant imagery, geometric forms, Buddhist and Daoist symbols and various auspicious emblems.
The museum started purchasing fine examples of Chinese textiles more than a century ago and it continues to acquire rare pieces of high quality. Numerous generous gifts from local patrons and donors have also greatly augmented the collection over many decades.
“Chinese Silk Textiles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties” is curated by Philip Hu, curator of Asian art. The installation will be on view in the Carolyn C. and William A. McDonnell Gallery 100 through December 18. The exhibition will complement “Global Threads: The Art and Fashion of Indian Chintz,” a ticketed textile exhibition that opens in October.
CONTACT: Matthew Hathaway, 314.655.5493, matthew.hathaway@slam.org
Chinese; "Manchu Imperial Consort's Semiformal Court Robe with Design of Nine Five-Clawed Dragons Chasing Pearls and Five Symbols of Imperial Authority", late 18th–early 19th century; silk in tapestry weave (kesi) with metallic threads, sleeve extensions in silk faille; 56 1/2 in. x 93 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, Museum Purchase 30:1918
Press image for 'Chinese Silk Textiles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties'
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Chinese; "Manchu Imperial Consort's Semiformal Court Robe with Design of Nine Five-Clawed Dragons Chasing Pearls and Five Symbols of Imperial Authority", late 18th–early 19th century; silk in tapestry weave (kesi) with metallic threads, sleeve extensions in silk faille; 56 1/2 in. x 93 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, Museum Purchase 30:1918
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Chinese; "Han Chinese Woman's Informal Three-Quarter-Length Coat (ao) with Design of Flowers and Butterflies", late 19th century; silk damask, applied embroidered satin borders, satin stitch, French knot, gold foil wrapped thread embroidery; length: 40 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, Gift of Jane K. Pelton 79:1979
