This exhibition presents rarely seen Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Persian, and Turkish textiles drawn from the renowned collection of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Made with fine materials, exemplary techniques, and stunning artistry, Asian luxury textiles have been integral to global trade for centuries.
The exhibition traces the history of these works of art and the people who owned them and carried them across the world. Luxurious costumes of the court performed power. Striking theater robes brought stage characters to life. Sturdy wall hangings and furniture covers transformed palaces, temples, and homes. Shimmering tapestry-woven carpets were created as diplomatic gifts for foreign rulers. Artists borrowed techniques from near and far to appeal to the latest fashions in the developing global market. The extraordinary stories of these textile treasures take visitors on a journey across continents, from the fifteenth century to today.
ArtQuest Activities
During your visit, stop by the Martin ArtQuest Gallery on the Upper Level to create a print on fabric, design a kimono bookmark, make a watercolor painting using bamboo brushes, try your hand at weaving or embroidery stitches, and more!
Organized by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri
Platinum sponsor
Hospitality sponsor
Spanish translation sponsor
Supported in part by
Supported in part by
Judy and Joe Barker
Artist demonstrations supported in part by
Presented in part by
Exhibition gallery
China (Qing dynasty, 1644–1911). Flag for theater, 17th–18th centuries. Silk and metallic thread embroidery on silk satin; 70 x 91 in. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, 32-187/2
China (Qing dynasty, 1644–1911). Lady’s coat, early 18th century. Kesi (silk tapestry) woven with silk and metallic threads; 39 1/2 x 64 in. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, 37-25 A
China (Ming dynasty, 1368–1644). Chair cover with crane design (detail), 17th century. Kesi (silk tapestry) woven with silk and metallic threads; 20 3/8 x 63 3/4 in. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Morse, 59-18/5
Kashan, Iran (Safavid Period, 1501–1732). Tapestry-woven medallion carpet, ca. 1600. Silk, gold, silver, and gilt silver metallic-wrapped thread in tapestry weave; 95 1/2 × 61 1/2 in. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, 32-70
Designed by a court painter, possibly Siyavush Beg Gurji (Persian, active mid–16th century to early 17th century), Probably Tabriz, Iran, Safavid dynasty (1501–1722). Velvet fragment of hunting scene, ca. 1540–70. Silk cut and voided velvet with silk pile with metal-wrapped thread brocade velvet; 19 x 18 1/2 in. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, 32-80/3
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868). Bugaku Costume (Hō-type), first half of the 19th century. Silk gauze embroidered with silk thread; 124 x 77 1/2 in. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, 31-142/4
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868). Kyōgen costume (suō-type), first half of the 19th century. Asa (bast fiber) with stencil dyeing; 41 1/2 x 82 1/2 in. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, 31-142/60
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