Chinese Silk in the 20th Century
Throughout the Republican era (1912-1949) and the People's Republic of China (PRC, established in 1949), silk retained its historical, cultural and economic status. The silk industry contributed significantly to the economic activities of the Republican era and certain regions, like Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Sichuan, were known for their silk production. The PRC government also sought to modernize the silk industry, promoting and expanding it to help the economy. This included introducing scientific and technological improvements to the processes of reeling, spinning, and weaving using modern—even foreign—machinery to increase their efficiency. By safeguarding silk weaving and embroidery techniques, the government has also ensured the preservation of traditional craftmanship, especially in protected cultural heritage sites such as Suzhou Silk and Hangzhou Silk.
Chinese Silk in the 20th Century
Throughout the Republican era (1912-1949) and the People's Republic of China (PRC, established in 1949), silk retained its historical, cultural and economic status. The silk industry contributed significantly to the economic activities of the Republican era and certain regions, like Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Sichuan, were known for their silk production. The PRC government also sought to modernize the silk industry, promoting and expanding it to help the economy. This included introducing scientific and technological improvements to the processes of reeling, spinning, and weaving using modern—even foreign—machinery to increase their efficiency. By safeguarding silk weaving and embroidery techniques, the government has also ensured the preservation of traditional craftmanship, especially in protected cultural heritage sites such as Suzhou Silk and Hangzhou Silk.
Painted Dress (qipao)
China, c. 1940s
Hand-painted silk with printed lace work
H. 114 cm x W. 39 cm
Chris Hall Collection
Art Deco Style Hat
China, Republican period (1912-1949)
Green silk, machine-embroidered ribbon
H. 14 cm x W. 27 cm
Chris Hall Collection
Silk Jacket with Western Collar
China, c. 1920s
Embroidered polychrome silk
H. 60 cm x L. 112 cm
Chris Hall Collection
Image of Lei Feng
China, mid-20th century
Embroidered silk
H. 110 cm x L. 80 cm
Chris Hall Collection
Cardinal's Sash and Cape
Roman manufacture, c. 1960
Red silk moire
Sash: L. 126.5 x W. 15 cm
Cape: H. 140.5 cm x L. 190 cm
Fonds de dotation Patrimoine et Art Liturgique
Pair of Liturgical Sandals
Roman manufacture, c. 1960
Violet silk laminated gold, leather
H. 9 cm x L. 29 cm x W. 10 cm
Fonds de dotation Patrimoine et Art Liturgique
Cardinal's Cap
Roman manufacture, c. 1960
Red silk moire
Cap: H. 9 cm x D. 17.5 cm
Fonds de dotation Patrimoine et Art Liturgique