The V&A museum presents Imperial Chinese Robes from the Forbidden City an exhibition open 7 December 2010 – 27 February 2011.
This exhibition shows three centuries of beautiful and historic royal robes worn by the emperors and empresses of the Qing Dynasty, the last ruling dynasty of China (1644-1911).
On display are elaborate and exquisite robes, hats, shoes and children’s clothes, along with beautifully patterned fabrics created for the fashion-conscious Empress Dowager Cixi and her court ladies.
The exhibition also explores the complex rules and conventions specifying which clothes should be worn on different court occasions: from official robes for important rituals to festive dresses for banquets and celebrations, and travelling ensembles for hunting and royal visits to the provinces. On show for the first time in Europe, this is a rare opportunity to see these sumptuous historic garments.
Image: Length of green satin with multi-coloured flowers and fruits in auspicious symbols 1796-1820 (Jiaqing period) Length 500 cm x width 76.5 cm On loan from the Palace Museum, Beijing
The purpose of the Victoria and Albert Museum is to enable everyone to enjoy its collections, explore the cultures that created them and to inspire those who shape contemporary design.
V&A South Kensington
Cromwell Road
London SW7 2RL
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www.vam.ac.uk