20250212 Time Wanderer: Ancient Costume Exhibition at the National Museum

20250212 Time Wanderer: Ancient Costume Exhibition at the National Museum Costumes are not only essential items in people's lives, serving practical functions such as "protecting against cold and heat, shielding from wind and rain, covering the body, and concealing modesty," but also important carriers of ancient culture, fulfilling cultural roles like "distinguishing social status, hierarchy, and kinship." China has long been renowned as the "Kingdom of Attire." Over thousands of years, the evolution of Chinese costume culture not only reflects the development of ancient material and spiritual civilization but also paints a vivid picture of the continuous life of the Chinese nation. This exhibition is divided into six sections according to historical periods, featuring nearly 130 artifacts (sets), including jade and stone objects, bone artifacts, pottery, clothing, gold and silver accessories, and calligraphy and paintings. It is complemented by over 40 auxiliary exhibits (sets), approximately 170 images, and multimedia installations, making it highly systematic, academic, and informative. Among the highlights is the Ming Dynasty scroll painting *The Joyous Lantern Festival of Emperor Xianzong*. Measuring 36.6 cm in height and 630.6 cm in width, the scroll depicts Emperor Xianzong (Zhu Jianshen) celebrating the Lantern Festival. The scene is divided into three segments by the red walls of the courtyard, corresponding to the emperor's appearances. In the first segment, Emperor Xianzong sits under a yellow canopy on a stone platform in front of a hall, wearing a black casual hat and a light blue embroidered dragon robe, watching eunuchs and children set off fireworks. In the middle segment, the emperor, dressed in an embroidered yellow dragon robe, stands on the right side of the stone platform, observing children gathered around a vendor's cart or playing with lanterns. In the third segment, Emperor Xianzong, clad in a light yellow dragon robe, enjoys performances and various acrobatics. The performers are dressed as Taoist priests, monks, and other figures, with a distant "Ao Mountain" lantern display.