The Middle Kingdom made its fortune from silk, the trade in which it long enjoyed a monopoly. In this museum, visitors will learn all there is to know about the various forms of this precious fabric – wild, raw, washed and even brocade – from the very first attempts at silkworm production in the Neolithic era all the way to the most modern creative designs. However, it is the ceremonial items of clothing from various dynasties that will undoubtedly attract the most attention, each of which developed their own taste and unique artistic style, ranging from aristocratic sobriety to the most ostentatious luxury.