Exhibition The Golden Thread. The art of dressing from north Africa to the Far East

At the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac

Through to July 6th, 2025.

Affiche de l’exposition © DR

Many legends celebrate the presence of gold on earth. The breath of the divine, flashes of sunlight or fragments of stars, to adorn or cover the body with its light in a garment, gold has, over the centuries, been a symbol, an art, an attitude. Gold

represents and resonates with elegance, wealth, prestige and tradition throughout the world and it is fitting that the Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac is devoting a dazzling exhibition to these precious golden textiles. First used in ancient times to make jewellery, ornaments and weapons, weavers and goldsmiths the world over were quick

to combine their skills and talents to make cloth and golden thread to dress people obsessed with its lustre. Whether woven, embroidered, printed, appliquéd or stitched, this precious metal is the mark of ultimate refinement. The development of techniques for manufacturing gold thread combined with silk over the ages made it possible to create the beautiful textiles found in the

tombs or wardrobes of powerful people in the Byzantine, Islamic, Chinese and European civilisations through the eras. Nowadays, gold thread is sometimes made with polyester, making it more aff ordable and accessible to all. The exhibition immerses visitors in a journey that takes them from the countries of the Maghreb to the furthest reaches of the

Ottoman Empire, from Egypt to Asia, Saudi Arabia to India, and China to Japan, to admire beautiful finery, rich draperies, ceremonial costumes and religious ornaments, juxtaposed with magnificent pieces by contemporary Chinese designer Guo Pei. From clothing belonging to the elite and dignitaries, to diplomatic gifts and royal, religious and funereal finery, the pieces on display bear witness to fine craftsmanship and a taste for luxury, privilege and prestige. France has certainly not been forgotten in this presentation: under the influence of the Church, embroidery developed from the Middle Ages onwards, and sumptuous clothing was produced in French workshops until the advent of haute couture.

37 quai Branly

75007 Paris