Rare Qing Dynasty Imperial Costumes to Go On Display in Shanghai
A major exhibition of Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) imperial costumes from Beijing's Palace Museum will open in Shanghai on July 7, bringing a collection of rarely seen court garments and textiles to the city for the first time.
"Imperial Colours," hosted at the World Expo Museum, features 101 artifacts, including embroidered robes, woven textiles, boots, ornaments and ceremonial accessories once used by members of the Qing imperial court.
Nearly 90 percent of the objects are being exhibited outside Beijing for the first time, while more than 30 percent have never previously been displayed to the public.
The exhibition explores the role of clothing in expressing status, ritual and power in China's last imperial dynasty.
Highlights include robes worn by emperors and empresses, as well as 12 pieces of kesi tapestry, a highly intricate silk-weaving technique traditionally associated with the imperial court.
Among the most notable pieces is a rare dragon robe fabric woven with peacock feathers. Only two complete examples are known to survive in the Palace Museum's collection. The textile is believed to be connected to descriptions of a peacock-feather garment in the 18th-century Chinese novel "Dream of the Red Chamber."
Spanning nearly 2,000 square meters, the exhibition combines historic artifacts with digital installations, including virtual reconstructions of the Forbidden City and interactive displays on Qing court life.
If you go:
Date: 9am-5pm, July 7-October 7 (closed on Monday)
Venue: World Expo Museum 世博会博物馆
Address: 818 Mengzi Rd, Huangpu District 黄浦区蒙自路818号
Admission: 88 yuan; 58 yuan (early bird) on Trip.com, Damai and Maoyan apps, WeChat mini program of World Expo Museum
