The “Cocoon of Traditions — Silk in the National Cultures of Eurasia” exhibition at the Nanshan Museum provides visitors with a rare opportunity to admire a wide range of stunning silk garments and other traditional attire from across Eurasia.

Featuring 283 factory-produced and artisanal silk objects from the 19th to the early 20th century, sourced from the Russian Museum of Ethnography, the exhibition showcases the diversity and profound heritage of silk cultures throughout Eurasia.

Visitors attend the “Cocoon of Traditions — Silk in the National Cultures of Eurasia” exhibition at the Nanshan Museum. Photos by Lin Songtao

Notable exhibits include silk robes from China, intricate handcrafted fabrics from Central Asia, luxurious and colorful carpets from Iran, kelaghayi headscarves from the southeast Caucasus, and elegant accessories of Russian silk garments. Each piece, with exquisite craftsmanship and unique aesthetics, carries significant historical and cultural value. The exhibition emphasizes silk as a symbol of the distinct local cultures within the major historical and ethnographic regions of Eurasia.

Detailed descriptions throughout the exhibition provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the originality of silk attire in each region, illustrating how neighboring countries have developed distinct practices in utilizing silk fabrics.

A silk product is on display at the exhibition.

As one of China’s most important inventions, silk spread rapidly throughout Eurasia, leading to the establishment of numerous silk farming centers. Over time, silk has come to be regarded as one of the most valuable and prestigious materials in human history. This unique fabric not only symbolized the wealth and social status of its owners, but also facilitated cultural exchanges among the regions along the ancient Silk Road.

An item at the silk culture exhibition.

During the exhibition, a series of events have been held to give visitors an in-depth and comprehensive view of traditional garment art, the Silk Road, and silk art. These events included a lecture by the exhibition curator in August, a painting event in September, and a Russian song and dance gala performed by teachers and students from Shenzhen MSU-BIT University on Oct. 13.

The free exhibition runs through Nov. 10.