2007
Dragons of Silk, Flowers of Gold
Textile Treasures of the Chinese Liao Dynasty (907–1125)
29 April – 11 November 2007
daily 2 p.m. – 5.30 p.m.







Silk and Gold
Woven silks show vivid patterns that often merge to form loose medallions. The embroideries combine colourful silk of many shades with pronounced contours created by thin strips of gilded paper. They are worked on gossamer-thin, transparent gauze.



Raiment of a Lady
A short jacket, together with two pairs of pants, two wrap skirts and two robes, forms an impressive ensemble. It is complemented by a superb headdress, silk boots with inner boots, and two undergarments of undyed silk.



Grave Furnishings
The graves of the Liao upper class were furnished with everything considered necessary for an afterlife befitting their social standing. The head of the lady, who was buried in a coffin or on a bier, rested on a soft padded cushion.


Refined Luxury
Fine tableware – either set on a small table and originally containing food, or carefully packed in crates and boxes – has been found in all Liao graves. To complement the textiles, the exhibition presents select gold-mounted ceramic vessels on loan from a private collection.


Auspicious Motifs
Pairs of fluttering birds, bouquets of peonies, branches of plum blossoms, bows with flowing ribbons: many of the motifs in the embroideries and goldsmith's work promise good luck and well-being as well as alluding to a young woman's beauty.
Mythical Creatures
A magnificent silk of sumptuous colours shows a lion resembling a legendary creature rather than a real animal. This creature is accompanied by the mythical dragonfish that appears in many different forms in Liao art.