Power Dressing: Dragons in Chinese Imperial Costume

Friday, January 10, 6 - 7 pm

In late imperial China, dragons depicted in shimmering silk were potent expressions of political power. Although early texts mention dragons as one of twelve designs decorating the ruler’s robes, over time dragons surpassed the other motifs to become the primary visual symbol of the emperor. In this talk, Lee Talbot, Curator of Textile Museum Collections, the George Washington University Museum and the Textile Museum, Washington DC, will trace the dragon motif’s rise to supremacy in imperial iconography and explore how different types, numbers, and configurations of dragons on court costume could express complex political hierarchies.

Cost: Museum Admission / Members FREE

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Grand Gifts: The Significance of Lacquer Screens in China

Friday, February 7, 6 PM 

Jan Stuart, the Melvin R. Seiden Curator of Chinese Art, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, discusses grand, polychrome lacquer screens, including one example in the Norton’s Collection, that were presented to distinguished Chinese gentlemen on important occasions, such as an advanced birthday (often ceremonially celebrated at the Lunar New Year). Often known in Western countries as Coromandel Screens, or as Kuancai Screens in Chinese, they were not usually made for export, but rather were so admired overseas from the 17th century on that they reached foreign shores.

Space is limited; online registration required (available December 25 members and January 1 for non-members).

Cost: Museum Admission/Members FREE

In order to view member pricing, you must be logged in. If you have questions, contact us at [email protected]

Space is limited; online registration required. Walk-ins welcome if tickets remain on the day of the program. Registration opens one month in advance.

ALERT! Ticketed events in the auditorium are capacity controlled. Please arrive 60 minutes prior to these scheduled events as they are first come first serve. Arrivals later than program start time may forfeit seating. 

Questions? Contact us at (561) 832-5196 or [email protected] 

Members can contact the Membership Line at (561) 659-6786 or [email protected]