The first comprehensive exhibition in Hong Kong to showcase the artistic exchange and cultural connections between Islamic and Chinese civilisations, featuring artefacts from the Museum of Islamic Art
The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) is pleased to present the first major exhibition in Hong Kong focused on the artistic achievements of Safavid Iran, Mughal India, and Ottoman Türkiye, and cultural connections between Islamic and Chinese civilisations. Titled “Wonders of Imperial Carpets: Masterpieces from the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha” (“Wonders of Imperial Carpets”), this exhibition will be on view from 18 June through 6 October 2025. Co-organised by the HKPM and the Museum of Islamic Art(MIA) in Doha, Qatar, a part of Qatar Museums, the special exhibition presents approximately 100 exquisite works, including carpets, ceramics, metalwork, manuscripts, and jades. The exhibits are primarily from the MIA collection, complemented by precious objects from the Palace Museum and the HKPM. Together, they illuminate the artistic exchanges between the Safavid dynasty (1501–1736), Mughal dynasty (1526–1857), and Ottoman dynasty (1299–1923), as well as the dynamic interactions between Islamic and Chinese civilisations, fostered by trade, migration, and diplomacy.
“Wonders of Imperial Carpets” is one of the key collaborative achievements following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the HKPM and Qatar Museums during the first-ever Hong Kong International Cultural Summit organised by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority last year. This exhibition is also a legacy project of the Years of Culture initiative, a year-long programme of collaborations between Qatar and partner countries that seeks to nurture mutual respect and understanding by building long-term cultural, social, and economic ties.
A memorable journey to explore marvellous treasures of Islamic art
The term “Islamic art” refers to all art—religious or secular—created in Muslim communities. Apart from architecture, carpets are the largest and most iconic forms of Islamic art. “Wonders of Imperial Carpets” presents a pioneering collaboration between the MIA, a major museum in the Middle East and the HKPM, a cultural landmark in Hong Kong. This exhibition features some of the most precious artefacts, many of which are being displayed outside the MIA for the first time. These treasures will be brought to the HKPM from the MIA’s world-renowned permanent collection, offering visitors an unparalleled chance to explore the mesmerising world of Islamic art.
Imperial carpets were crafted by skilled artisans, backed by significant funding from the courts. These carpets were made from the finest materials, including silk, pashmina wool, and gold and silver threads, dyed with ingredients sourced from various regions around the world. The largest imperial carpet featured in this exhibition required a team of up to 10 highly skilled craftsmen working together for several years to complete. “Wonders of Imperial Carpets” features some of the finest carpets in the world, produced in Safavid Iran, Mughal India, Ottoman Türkiye, and China between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries.
- Shah Sulayman “hunting” carpet was a diplomatic gift from the Safavids toFrancesco Morosini (1619–1694), one of the greatest sea captains of his time and a leader of the Republic of Venice in the late seventeenth century. This magnificent 450-year-old medallion carpet is adorned with cloud-band motifs and mythical creatures inspired by Chinese art.
- Kevorkian Hyderabad carpet is one of the longest Islamic carpets in a museum collection, measuring at almost sixteen metres. Grand durbar (audience chamber) carpets were used at the Mughal court for ceremonial events. At the HKPM, this carpet will be shown in full, offering visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience its imperial grandeur.
- Çintamani prayer rug is decorated with an auspicious motif of three circles, known as çintamani (wish-fulfilling jewel) in Sanskrit. Associated with good luck and power, the motif was very popular at the Ottoman court. Depicted at the centre of the rug is a prayer niche; at the bottom is an abstract representation of the Prophet’s sandals.
- Carpet with flowers is a carpet made in Xinjiang region during the Qianlong period (1736–1795). Carpets with this type of floral pattern were used in the imperial palace. In the exhibition, displayed next to this imperial carpet from the Palace Museum will bea sumptuous piece of Safavid silk fabric with golden brocade which features a similar design.
Discover relationships between imperial carpets and other iconic works of Islamic art, and cultural exchanges between the Islamic world and China
Presented in four sections, “Wonders of Imperial Carpets” presents artistic treasures from the Safavid, Mughal, and Ottoman dynasties and traces cultural exchanges between the Islamic world and China since the tenth century. In addition to imperial carpets, other representative forms of Islamic art, from bookbinding, miniature painting, ceramics, and metalwork to jades, will be on display to illuminate the interrelationship among the various art forms, as well as artistic exchanges between the Islamic world and China. Rare treasures that have never been seen in Hong Kong before underpin this fascinating story of intricately connected people, places, and cultures.
Dr Louis Ng, Director of the HKPM, said, “‘Wonders of Imperial Carpets’ marks the first time similar exhibitions is being staged outside of Qatar, incorporating a new curatorial concept and is enriched by the unique storyline of cultural exchange between China and the Islamic world. This approach demonstrates the HKPM’s commitment to advancing dialogue among civilisations. The Islamic world, at different points in history, stretches from the Mediterranean in the West to Southeast Asia and further East—its art and culture continue to inspire societies and cultures across the world today. It is an immense privilege for us to present this special exhibition and share the captivating stories of the arts of the Islamic world with our visitors.”
Shaika Nasser Al-Nassr, Director, Museum of Islamic Art, said, “The Museum of Islamic Art is honoured to collaborate with the Hong Kong Palace Museum to bring these remarkable artefacts from our collections to new audiences. ‘Wonders of Imperial Carpets’ highlights not only the exceptional artistry and craftsmanship of the Safavid, Mughal, and Ottoman dynasties, but also the profound links that have bound Islamic and Chinese cultures for centuries. This exhibition is a reflection of long-standing dialogues between our regions and an important legacy of the Years of Culture initiative.”
“Wonders of Imperial Carpets” will be open to the public from 18 June to 6 October 2025 in Gallery 9 of the HKPM. Tickets for this special exhibition, which also grant access to all the thematic exhibitions in Galleries 1–7 (featuring treasures from the Palace Museum and other collections), are priced at HK$150 for adults and HK$75 for concessions*. Tickets are available for sale or reservation through the West Kowloon Cultural District’s online ticketing platforms and ticketing partners. Please refer to the HKPM website for more information.
*Concessions are available to children aged 7 to 11, full-time students, seniors aged 60 and above, persons with disabilities (with one companion), and CSSA recipients.
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About the Hong Kong Palace Museum
Through innovative curatorial approaches, the Hong Kong Palace Museum presents priceless treasures from The Palace Museum along with the finest collections from other worldrenowned institutions. The Museum is also in the process of building its own world-class collection. Opened in 2022, the Museum is a leading institution for the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture and the promotion of dialogue among world civilisations. The Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and The Palace Museum. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust donated HK$3.5 billion to fund the construction of the museum and part of its annual exhibitions and educational programmes from 2023 to 2031.
Through research, exhibitions, publications, and educational and professional exchange programmes, the Museum builds international partnerships and positions Hong Kong as a global hub for art and culture. A resource that belongs to the local community, the Museum inspires community engagement, fosters dialogue, and promotes creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK)
WestK is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural hubs in the world and Hong Kong’s new cultural tourism landmark, spanning 40 hectares alongside Victoria Harbour. WestK comprises a mix of landmark arts and cultural facilities, including world-class museums M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, intricately designed performing arts venues the Xiqu Centre and Freespace, the 11-hectare Art Park with a waterfront promenade, and the upcoming WestK Performing Arts Centre.
Hosting over 1,000 exhibitions, performances, programmes, and events each year, WestK provides a vital platform for both emerging and established artists. WestK welcomes more than 10 million visitors each year, evolving as the international cultural brand of Hong Kong and strengthening the city’s strategic role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
https://www.westk.hk
About the Museum of Islamic Art
Founded in 2008, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), led by Director Shaikha Nasser Al-Nassr, was one of the first projects initiated by Qatar Museums. Designed by the renowned Chinese American architect I. M. Pei, the MIA is a globally acclaimed museum that stands majestically on Doha’s Corniche, with panoramic views of the city’s waterfront. The museum showcases Qatar’s world-class collections of Islamic art spanning some 1,300 years. Representing the full scope of Islamic art from the 7th to the 21st centuries, the MIA collection includes manuscripts, ceramics, metalwork, glass, ivory, textiles, carpets, wood, and jewellery. The collection has been curated from three continents, including countries across the Middle East, and reaching as far as Spain and China. In addition, MIA presents a diverse and rich programme of exhibitions illustrating the heritage of the Islamic world, as well as extensive educational activities for school children and families, making the museum a vital part of the community. The MIA has become a popular museum in the region and internationally, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
About Qatar Museums
Qatar Museums (QM), the nation’s preeminent institution for art and culture, provides authentic and inspiring cultural experiences through a growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations, and programmes. QM preserves and expands the nation’s cultural offerings, sharing art and culture from Qatar, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region with the world and enriching the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.
Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM has made Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture, and education in the Middle East and beyond. QM is integral to the goal of developing an innovative, diverse, and progressive nation, bringing people together to ignite new thinking, spark critical cultural conversations, and amplify the voices of Qatar’s people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the development of museums and festivals including the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar (NMOQ), 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara, and Design Doha. Future projects include Dadu: Children’s Museum of Qatar, Art Mill Museum, Qatar Auto Museum and the Lusail Museum.
Through its newly created Creative Hub, QM also initiates and supports projects—such as the Fire Station Artist in Residence, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival, M7, the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design, and Liwan Design Studios and Labs —that nurture artistic talent and create opportunities to build a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure.
Animating everything that Qatar Museums does is an authentic connection to Qatar and its heritage, a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, and a belief in creating value through invention. For more information visit https://qm.org.qa.
