Sep. 8th,exhibition “Qian Family’s Wardrobe：Costume Found in the Tomb of Qian Zhang (1486-1505) and his wife” opens in National Silk Museum. These displayed costumes, though notas luxurious as imperial ones, are typical costumes of the Ming Dynasty, varying in type and material. Though most of the colours had already faded, the styles and designs clearly remain, and the gold ornaments on the costumes are gorgeous. All the elements demonstrate the characteristics of the costumes worn by thedistinguished families at that time, such as the Qian clan. Meanwhile, the exhibition presents the process of restoring Qian couple’s costumes.

In order to help visitors have a better understanding of the exhibition as well as the customs in the Ming Dynasty, on Sep. 9th, “Evening of Hair-pinning Ceremony” was held in galaxy hall. The event is greatly supported by Jinglianmantang(净莲满堂), He Teahouse and Xiaofeng Bookstore.

2:00 p.m., there public lectures focusing on Qian’s tomb and the costume in Ming Dynasty were given.The speakers were fellow associate Li Yiquan from Wuxi Cultural Heritage Protection and Archaeological Institute, fellow associate Wang Shujuan(the curator of the exhibition) from National Silk Museum, and associate professor Jiang Yuqiu from Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology.

fellow associate Li Yiquan


fellow associate Wang Shujuan(the curator of the exhibition)


associate professor Jiang Yuqiu

6:30 p.m., half anhour before the ceremony began, the curator briefly introduced the exhibition to the guests.

7:00 pm, the Hair-pinningCeremony Evening started officially.

In ancient China, men became adults at the age of 20 during the capping ceremony. Women became adults at the age of 15 during the hairpin ceremony.

The ceremony reconstructed the scene in the Ming Dynasty. The host (usually the mother ofperson who reached 15), honoured guest and the person who is going to be cappedwore special clothes. 





The woman of 15 had her hair gathered into aknot by the guest. A hair pin was used to keep it together.

After that, the woman changed a new set of clothe and was given a courtesy name. Most of those participating in the ceremony were women. The whole procedure was held inside the house.