BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Imagine a delicate garment, 1.6 meters long yet only weighing 48 grams. Is it possible? The plain unlined gauze gown with a curved hem, a national treasure of China, confirms that it is.
Crafted by ancient Chinese artisans over 2,200 years ago, this fabric is incredibly lightweight and as thin as a cicada's wing. With a 75% light transmission rate, it still allows one to read text or view images on a newspaper placed beneath it.
This gown was likely worn by a female aristocrat of the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC-25 AD) during significant events, adding a luxurious, ethereal touch. After being buried for two millennia, it narrowly avoided theft post-excavation. It now resides safely in the Hunan Museum, preserved in a climate-controlled environment within a special long case.
Due to its immense value, this gown is on China's list of artifacts prohibited from leaving the country for exhibitions. Here are some quick facts about it. If you ever visit the Hunan Province, make sure to see this national treasure at the Hunan Museum!
Photo credit: Hunan Museum
Editors: Li Mangmang, Meng Chenguang, Wang Yijie, Zhang Chuanqi
Visual designer: Li Mangmang
China Signature Studio■
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