The ‘Silks from the Silk Road – Chinese Art of Silk’ exhibition opened yesterday at the Qatar Museums (QM) Gallery in Katara – the Cultural Village, organised as part of the Qatar China 2016 Year of Culture that runs till May 9.
Presented by QM under the leadership of its chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the exhibition reflects the rich artistry of Chinese silk in terms of art, techniques and fashion design over thousands of years.
In collaboration with QM, the China National Silk Museum has brought to Doha a range of ancient and modern Chinese silk treasures which demonstrate the artistry of the Chinese silk-making culture and industry.
In a press statement, QM said the exhibition includes 100 selected silk products and modern artistic works of silk garments, as well as other accompanying exhibits such as ceramic tea sets and tea works.
The exhibition explores four different themes: first, the material properties and diverse uses of silk, as well as the products created throughout history; second, the different techniques of silk production, traditional embroidery, ornamental brocading, the Kesi weaving technique, silk painting, and new silk design concepts; third, the art of silk, including the new digital textile technology and the integration of traditional weaving and dyeing techniques; and fourth, the role of Zhang Qian, a Chinese official and diplomat who played a key role in opening China to commercial trade in the second century BCE by setting up the Silk Road.
The exhibition also provides an insight into the Silk Road, which was a bridge for economic and cultural exchange between East and West more than 2,000 years ago. Mulberry silk weaving technology spread from China to the rest of the world through this trading route.  
“This vibrant exhibition is designed to enhance the mutual understanding between the people of Qatar and China and we are confident that it will resonate strongly with local audiences, given the significance of silk throughout the history and culture of Qatar,” QM’s Public and International Relations director Mohamed al-Othman said.
He added that the exhibition maps out the history of silk and its cultural significance over thousands of years and also allows visitors to experience the charm of contemporary Chinese silk.  
Several public programmes were held recently to engage with local audiences prior to the launch of the exhibition. These included a talk by curator Xue Yan from the China National Silk Museum in Zhejiang.
He explored Chinese silk on the Silk Road from the 10th to the 14th century throughout the period of the Liao, Song, Jin and Yuan dynasties.
At that time, Chinese fashions changed dramatically and a number of interactive tie-dying workshops were also held for adults and families.