PSC 253/HAA 218 (Ibata-Arens and Hansman): Art, Politics, & Economy of the Silk Road: Museums & Organizations

Since 1988, UNESCO has sought to better understand the rich history and shared legacy of the historic Silk Roads, and the ways in which cultures have mutually influenced each other. In light of the enduring legacy of the Silk Roads in connecting civilizations throughout history, the UNESCO Silk Roads Programme revives and extends these historic networks in a digital space, bringing people together in an ongoing dialogue and fostering a mutual understanding of the diverse and often inter-related cultures that have sprung up around these routes.

The Silkroad Foundation is a nonprofit organization established to promote the study and preservation of cultures and art on Inner Asia and the Silk Road.

IDP is a ground-breaking international collaboration to make information and images of all manuscripts, paintings, textiles and artefacts from Dunhuang and archaeological sites of the Eastern Silk Road freely available on the Internet and to encourage their use through educational and research programmes.

Artifacts collected by Aurel Stein located in the Asia department include archaeological finds from Xinjiang, as well as paintings, prints and textiles from the Library Cave (Cave 17), Dunhuang.

Committed to preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting exemplary works of art, the National Museum of Asian Art addresses broad questions about culture, identity, and the contemporary world. The museum cares for exceptional collections of Asian art, with more than 45,000 objects dating from the Neolithic period to today and originating from the ancient Near East to China, Japan, Korea, South and Southeast Asia, and the Islamic world.

Established in 1925, the Palace Museum is located in the imperial palace of the consecutive Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. The magnificent architectural complex, also known as the Forbidden City, and the vast holdings of paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and antiquities of the imperial collections make it one of the most prestigious museums in China and the world. In 1961, the State Council designated the former imperial residence as one of China's foremost-protected cultural heritage sites, and in 1987 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Topkapı Palace Museum has large collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts as well as other Ottoman treasures and jewelry Visit the Palace Treasury that holds a fascinating collection of the world’s most famous and spectacular jewels including the famous Topkapı Dagger.

The museum preserves a remarkable collection of art works that reflect the rich legacy of Kyoto's history and traditional culture. The seat of the imperial court for over one thousand years, from the eighth to the nineteenth century, the city of Kyoto played a central role in the developments of Japanese art and culture.

Search their catalog or reserve an appointment to visit.