An exhibition tracing the rich history of Chinese carpet weaving has opened at the MITA Museum in Brescia, northern Italy, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the artistry of the imperial dynasties. The Weaves of the Dragon – Chinese Carpets of the Imperial Dynasties runs from 25 December 2025 to 8 January 2026.
The display brings together more than forty carpets from China alongside a similar number from present-day Xinjiang, including pieces from Kashgar, Yarkand and Khotan. Together they chart the journey of design and craftsmanship from Central Asian oasis towns into the heart of imperial China.
Visitors can observe how motifs and materials evolved along this route, with Buddhist and solar symbols, lattice patterns and imperial colour schemes—dominated by yellow and blue—remaining central. Later works introduce animal and mythological figures, while large-scale imperial carpets and early fragments showcase the pinnacle of court production.
The exhibition is accompanied by guided tours on selected dates, led by experts including Giovanni Valagussa and Elena, offering deeper insight into the cultural and historical significance of the works.
Located at the Museo Internazionale del Tappeto Antico on Via Tito Speri, Brescia sits in the Lombardy region at the foot of the Italian Alps, between Milan and Verona. The city is known for its Roman ruins, medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene, making it a fitting backdrop for this exploration of Asia’s textile traditions.
For those in northern Italy over the festive season, the show provides a vivid encounter with one of the world’s most refined weaving heritages.
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