Asian Civilisations Museum: Journey back to when India clothed the world. Patterns of Trade: Indian Textiles for Export, 1400–1900 presents over seventy works of strikingly patterned and brightly coloured Indian trade textiles from a recently acquired collection. These extraordinary cloths, some over 600 years old, show the deep roots of today’s globalised world and the surprising and fascinating impact of cultural exchange.

Wherever they were traded Indian textiles like these created a sensation. Loved for their quality and their bright and unfading colours, many became treasured heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation. From production sites in India, to markets as far apart as Japan, Southeast Asia, the Islamic world, and Europe, this exhibition helps explain the huge popularity and profound influence of Indian textiles. They have left an indelible mark, not only on the way we do business, but also on the way we dress ourselves and decorate our homes. This exhibition will be the first time that a major part of this important collection will be shown to the public.

Special Tours

Don't miss out on the Curator Tour for the "Patterns of Trade" exhibition! 03 Feb 2012 Friday | 7.30pm - 8.30pm | @ Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place