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Information from The Textile Museum, Washington DC.
- 26 January 2006
An Introduction to Imperial Ming Carpets
A Special Lecture at The Textile Museum
Saturday, February 4 at 2:30 pm
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The knotted pile carpet has been part of
Chinese culture for at least 2,000 years, yet probably fewer than 600
Imperial Ming carpets survive today from the so-called 'classical' period
(1400-1750). Because of their scarcity, they remain virtually unknown to
all but a relatively small number of people. Until recently it was
believed that most of the surviving classical Chinese carpets remained in
western institutions such as The Textile Museum, as well as in private
collections.
Possibly the most important group is comprised of carpets that were
made, probably in Beijing, in the 16th century specifically for the Royal
Palaces. Some 16 examples survive in western collections, along with a
number of fragments. In 2000, Michael and Jacqueline Franses went to
Beijing in search of the Imperial Ming carpets. The curator of furniture
at the Royal Palace had been informed that some great carpets were placed
many years ago in the upper floor of a storeroom, once Kangxi's Imperial
Kitchen, that was sealed in the 1920s. The director granted permission for
the seals to be broken and some 40 Imperial Ming carpets that had been
placed there 80 years before were re-discovered.
In this lecture, well-known textile authority and dealer Michael
Franses will present images of many of the Imperial Ming carpets and
discuss the various types and designs.
FREE; no reservations required.
Please arrive early, as program seating is limited.
Image: Two Imperial Dragons and Flaming Pearl
(detail). Throne Carpet from the Imperial Palace in Beijing, China, Ming
dynasty, Wanli period (1573-1620). Private collection, USA. Photograph by
Longevity, London.
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The
Textile Museum is located at 2320 S Street NW, Washington, DC.
Metro: Red Line, Dupont Circle, Q Street exit.
Hours are Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, and Sunday 1 - 5 pm. Admission
is free.
For more information, call (202) 667-0441 or visit www.textilemuseum.org.
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