Travel the Silk Road with the British Museum

The Silk Roads exhibition at the British Museum is now in its final week. If you’re in London and feeling inspired by the latest issue of Selvedge magazine, now is the perfect time to visit. This exhibition takes visitors on a fascinating journey through the vast trade routes that connected East and West for over a thousand years. It brings to life the cultural exchanges that shaped civilisations, with a particular focus on textiles—one of the most treasured commodities traded along these routes.

Silk Sleeve Panel with Equestrian Figures

One of the most remarkable textile pieces on display is a beautifully preserved silk sleeve from the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE). Discovered in a tomb in northwestern China, the sleeve is adorned with intricate patterns that reflect artistic influences from multiple cultures. The motifs, which combine elements from both Chinese and Persian design traditions, highlight the deep interconnectivity of the Silk Roads. The fabric’s fine weave and rich dyes showcase the technical mastery (...)

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