This special installation of objects from the Seattle Art Museum's collection will feature the glittering golden threads of French brocades, Imperial Chinese robes, Japanese kesas, and Persian bedcovers—all seen as rich backdrops to gleaming objects of beauty, such as powdered-gold lacquer boxes, a Fabergé cigarette case, a seated Buddha with gold inlay, and African hammered-gold earrings.

Opened in 2007, SAM’s large textile gallery offers an enlightening and intriguing opportunity to exhibit textiles with decorative and designed objects from across cultures and times. In addition to fulfilling SAM’s vision of connecting art to life, this selection will offer many works, long in storage, to now dazzle us in the light of day.

–Julie Emerson, The Ruth J. Nutt Curator of Decorative Arts and Pam McClusky, Curator of Art of Africa and Oceania

Baroque Braque, 1987, Howard Kottler, American, 1930–89, whiteware with glaze and gold luster, Gift of the Howard Kottler Testamentary Trust, 91.72, 18 x 34 x 15 in., © Howard Kottler