For the first time in decades, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art will display rarely seen Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and Persian costumes and textiles. Made with fine materials, exemplary techniques, and artistry, Asian luxury textiles were central to global trade. The sumptuous textiles in this exhibition conveyed the identities, status, and taste of both local and international patrons and consumers.

The exhibition traces the journeys of key works of art and the people who owned them and carried them across the world. Luxurious costumes of the court performed power, while striking theater robes brought stage characters to life. Sturdy wall hangings and furniture covers transformed palaces, temples, and homes, while shimmering tapestry-woven carpets were created as diplomatic gifts for foreign rulers. Artists borrowed techniques from near and far to appeal to the latest fashions in the developing global market. The extraordinary stories of these treasures of the collection take visitors on an irreducible journey across continents, from the 1500s to today.

Organized by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Generous support provided by Sara and Bill Morgan, and Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts — Commerce Bank, Trustee.