Do you know that French silk and Chinese silk influence each other and complement each other? You may have heard of the “Silk Road,” but do you know how influential it is?
“The Silk Road” refers to the trade route that starts from the ancient capital of the Han and Tang dynasties and reaches Central Asia, West Asia, and even Europe. It is named after the silk products that make up the majority of the goods transported westward. However, in reality, the “Silk Road” is not a single “road,” but a network of paths that traverse mountains, deserts, and oceans without any markings. At the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Doha in 2014, the “Silk Road” was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. However, during the 30th anniversary of the City University of Hong Kong, one of the celebration events was the exhibition “Silk Weaving Splendor.”
The exhibition is curated by Dr. Isabelle Frank, delving into the history of silk weaving from ancient China to the present day, spanning two thousand years. It showcases approximately 150 precious items, with a special presentation of Chinese textiles from the collection of Mr. Chris Hall, considered one of the most remarkable and comprehensive private collections!
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The exhibition follows the journey of silk through time and space, divided into seven different areas: “What is silk?”, “As precious as gold”, “From the Tang Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty”, “Following the trend”, “On the road: from China to Europe”, “France leading from afar”, and “Chinese and French silk in the 20th century”, focusing on the journey of silk weaving exhibits from China to Europe and back, showcasing how this luxurious and unique material has become a medium of international exchange, and highlighting its profound impact on contemporary society.
The exhibition showcases a variety of precious silk artifacts from China, India, France, and Italy, analyzing their development in art, trade, fashion, and technology. This rare lineup of exhibits allows the audience to see the significant role of Chinese silk and traditional weaving craftsmanship in culture, as well as the major impact it has had globally. It aims to achieve both the modernization of the silk industry and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship, continuing the prosperity of the silk industry.
Before the opening, Dr. Isabelle Frank, the exhibition curator, Ms. Laure Raibaut, the co-curator, and Ms. Anne Camilli, the deputy curator, gave a briefing. Dr. Isabelle Frank even stated:
“This exhibition presents the process of silk production, as well as research findings on the development of the silk industry in China and Europe. Through collaboration with renowned silk collectors, historians, and experts, the content of the exhibition is enriched. I believe that delving into the history of silk is particularly important for the development of Asia over the past two thousand years, and I am fortunate to bring the exhibition to CityU, inviting the public to understand the history of silk.”
“Silk Splendors: The Journey from China to Europe”
Exhibition Dates: April 11, 2024 to September 1, 2024
Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Location: Pao Galleries (18/F, Academic 1, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong)
Admission and Registration: Free of charge, please register online.
