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    Exhibition of Traditional Chinese Costumes at PNCA

    Written by: Aiman Javed
    Posted on: September 25, 2017 | | 中文

    (L - R) Chinese bag, cheongsam and shoes

    An exhibition of traditional Chinese costumes, titled the “New Silk Road,” was inaugurated at the China Cultural Centre, Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) on Sunday, 24th August, 2017. The chief guest, Mr. Junaid Akhlaq, Joint Secretary of National History and Literary Heritage Division of Pakistan, began the opening ceremony by addressing the rise in cultural exchanges between Pakistan and China. He said, “Exhibitions such as the Chinese Silk, Porcelain and Tea one last August, and now this one, reveal the eagerness of the Chinese for increasing cultural connectivity with Pakistan.” The Cultural Counsellor from Chinese Embassy of Pakistan, Mr. You Yi, spoke about the elegance of Chinese costumes, which strongly emphasize usage of silk and embroidery. While, silk cloth was first developed in ancient China, embroidery such as Su double-sided embroidery is unique to China. Besides other dignitaries, a team of artists from China also attended the ceremony, including fashion designer Ms. Cui Shumin.

    Double-sided Su embroidery

    Double-sided Su embroidery

    The students of Roots School System gave a presentation on cultural facts about China and Pakistan. Their Chinese language teacher and four students then performed a Chinese song, using traditional umbrellas as props. Other students sang a song, with Urdu and Chinese lyrics, about Pakistan-China friendship. Students of Iqra University were also present at the occasion, having helped arrange the exhibition.

    Performance by students of Roots School System

    Performance by students of Roots School System

    With the end of the opening ceremony, Ms. Cui Shumin guided the guests around the gallery, explaining the material and style of the costumes, and the work on each particular item. Raw, pure, jin (polychrome woven) and juan (watered) silk had been used to make the clothes, with only a few items in velvet. Besides intricate hand-embroidery, hand painting had also been used to adorn the garments. Having designed most of the clothes herself, Ms. Cui clarified that these were contemporary versions of traditional costumes, and thus could be utilized in modern times. Shoes and accessories including bags, wallets, scarves and necklaces, were displayed as were handheld fans with double-sided embroidery, and frames with embroidered sceneries.

    A buttoned up scarf forms a cape and A ceremonial shirt worn by elderly men on their birthdays

    (L) A buttoned up scarf forms a cape, (R) A ceremonial shirt worn by elderly men on their birthdays

    Some of the clothing was inspired by Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) costumes, which are characterized by closed collars and A-line shirts. Influences from the traditional ruqun of Tang dynasty (618 – 907) were visible, in the form of short upper shirts and flowing long skirts. Numerous cheongsam, a figure-hugging one piece dress, which originated in Qing dynasty (1644-1912), were being displayed. The most expensive item of all was a white cheongsam, with hand embroidered flowers. In men’s clothing, all of which were inspired by Han dynasty costumes, a ceremonial red shirt was identified as an item only worn by men above the age of 60 on their birthdays. Tea culture clothing, worn during tea ceremonies, was identified by its diagonal buttons. Most of the clothing was for females, with only a few items for men. This reflects modern day Chinese clothing trends, since women tend to wear traditional clothes on formal occasions, but men have adapted to more Western costumes.

    A feminine costume inspired by Tang dynasty clothes and Costume inspired by Han dynasty clothes

    (L) A feminine costume inspired by Tang dynasty clothes, (R) Costume inspired by Han dynasty clothes

    A pure silk scarf was gifted to Mr. Junaid Akhlaq’s wife by Ms. Cui Shumin. The attendees then enjoyed the high-tea arranged for them on the ground floor of PNCA. The exhibition will carry on until 18th October, and some items may be put up for sale in the last few days.

    Chinese embroidery

    Chinese embroidery

    Cheongsam inspired by Qing dynasty costumes

    Cheongsam inspired by Qing dynasty costumes

    Detail of embroidery

    Detail of embroidery

    Performance by students of Roots School System

    Performance by students of Roots School System


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021