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Hidden Threads
(4th January – 23rd April 2006)

Hidden Threads, an exhibition revealing a collection of early 20th century textiles and keepsake items from East Asia, opens at the Museum of East Asian Art, Bath on 4th January 2006.

Detailing the fascinating voyage of British sisters Isabel and Eleanor Cadbury to China and Japan in 1907, this exhibition uncovers the various souvenir items they collected while travelling around the Far East. On loan from a local family (relatives of the famous Cadbury family), these objects have survived in remarkable condition for almost 100 years and this is the first time the pieces have been displayed.

As part of the exhibition, several striking examples of silk costume embroidery will be on show. Since the earliest production of silk in China in 2000BC, embroidery has been used in Chinese dress as an important indicator of identity and power. During the Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911) traditional Chinese silks costumes were decorated with a wide range of symbolic motifs. Mostly taken from nature they were either woven into the silk or embroidered onto the garment.

The embroidered motifs would have included butterflies, bats, peaches, lotus flowers, peonies, chrysanthemums as well as several types of bird for example phoenix, crane, mandarin ducks and peacocks. Such emblems would have been easily recognisable for symbolising happiness, longevity, nobility, fortune, splendour or wisdom. The silk robes included in the exhibition feature such decoration.

Revered for such decorative beauty, Chinese silk has fascinated people in the West from the time of the Roman Empire. Indeed it was for the purpose of acquiring China's fabulous silks that the trade routes between East and West were first opened and why these routes are known today as the ‘Silk Road'.

However the Chinese kept the secret of silk's cultivation well guarded, allowing only finished fabrics to leave the country. During a period of increased trade, travel and communication in the late 19 th and early 20 th century, many upper class foreigners who visited China for business or adventure were able to encounter such vibrant, high quality silk textiles first hand. Unusual and fascinating, many travellers returned home with luxuriant silk costumes, as beautiful mementoes of their travels.

As well as silk robes, foreign travellers also brought back many other items reflecting the incredible difference in cultures. Other memorabilia in the exhibition includes fashionable Chinese accessories of the period such as enamelled belt buckles, hair pins and a compact mirror. Also on display will be some Japanese items including Japanese block shoes, a kimono, obi sash and tie, sewing kit and origami set. These items will be accompanied by black and white photographs and letters of the trip as well as hand tinted photographic souvenirs.

The exhibition is on display until 23rd April 2006. The Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 12noon to 5pm.

-ENDS-

Digital images and/or slide transparencies also available

12 Bennett Street
Bath
BA1 2QJ
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