Saint Louis Art Museum Presents Chinese Textile Exhibition

The Saint Louis Art Museum announces the February 23 opening of Chinese Textiles, an exhibition of rarely seen textiles in the Museum's collection dating from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

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Chinese Textiles features fine examples of imperial and court attire; garments reflecting the belief systems of Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism; ceremonial costumes and decorative hangings. Among the beautiful works of art are a pair of late Ming dynasty, tapestry-woven chair covers that may have been used in an official's home or family shrine and a richly colored silk Daoist robe.

These textiles were created using a wide variety of traditional techniques, including tapestry weave (kesi), embroidery and brocading. Their delicate balance of colors, intricate patterns, dynamic compositions and sense of cosmic harmony further enhance their beauty.

Co-curated by Philip Hu, associate curator of Asian art and Zoe Annis Perkins, textile conservator, Chinese Textiles will be on view in Gallery 100 through August 19, 2007.

The Saint Louis Art Museum is one of the nation's leading comprehensive art museums with collections that include works of art of exceptional quality from virtually every culture and time period. Areas of notable depth include Oceanic art, pre-Columbian art, ancient Chinese bronzes and European and American art of the late 19th and 20th centuries, with particular strengths in 20th-century German art. The Museum offers a full range of exhibitions and educational programming generated independently and in collaboration with local, national, and international partners. -- www.stlouis.art.museum