Dragons, Nagas, and Creatures of the Deep Exhibition at the Textile Museum

Of course I chose to go on a Code Red day for a stroll to the Textile Museum in DC. But it was well worth it. After a scorching walk to reach the Textile Museum down Diplomat Lane I finally reached my destination with sun burned feet. The museum had cold water for visitors and a nice couch where I rested before continuing. The Textile Museum is currently a small space but not for long: the museum is collaborating with George Washington University in moving into a new 35,000 square foot space sometime mid-2014 on George Washington's main campus in Foggy Bottom.

The exhibit hall was on the top floor after the Woven Treasures of Japan's Tawaraya Workshop, which were displaying beautiful japanese fabrics typically made for kimonos. At a glance the "Dragons, Nagas, and Creatures of the Deep" exhibit appeared very plain and uninteresting. I had initially thought I could go through it in five minutes. But you should never judge a book by its cover or in this case, a cloth by its threads.

Upon closer inspection the 16 piece collection told a rich history of the fabrics it displayed. For example, the beautiful robe from late 18th/ early 19th century China seen above was a gift to a noble from the emperor or someone of the royal immediate family. How can you tell? It's all in the dragon claws. When a fabric piece that displays a dragon that has 5 claws it is a royal symbol of the Emperor and his immediate family. The garment displayed 4 claws but that is only because the 5th claw had been carefully removed when it was given as a gift. There are so many more interesting facts and stories behind each othe pieces being shown. Here is the museum's pamphlet showing some of the pieces from the exhibit. Overall definitely an exhibit you should give a closer look at when visiting. 

You can check out the exhibit on Thursday, July 26, when you go to The Textile Museum for PM @ The TM for drinks and a movie in the garden. Buy tickets here.