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Fabric Wallpaper Furniture Paint Carpets Rugs Accessories Available from Designers Guild, 267 & 277 Kings Road, London SW3, tel 020 7351 5775, and selected retailers. For further information please contact tel 020 7893 7400, fax 020 7893 7730 or info@designersguild.com or see our website for a list of local stockists www.designersguild.com is a registered trademark of the designers guild group of companies 7

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Sacred dragon Symbolic of good fortune, the dragon in Chinese culture represents heaven, earth and mighty imperial power. It was believed to bring rain, good harvests and to protect against fire. The costume worn for the magnificent dragon dance was traditionally made in silk and brocade and hand-painted in gold. All the motifs on the costume bear a symbolic significance. Dragon costumes range from three meters to over 100 in length and are constructed on a bamboo, wood and rattan frame. In 2006 Chinese New Year lands on the 29th January – marking the start of the Year of the Dog and also kicking off China in London 2006, an initiative from the Mayor of London’s office. Museums across London are participating in the events ranging from exhibitions to performance, film, window displays and food tasting, and the promotion of Chinese literature and language. A cornerstone of the season will be the Royal Academy of Arts' exhibition 'China: The Three Emperors, 1662–1795'. Devoted to treasures of the Chinese court, drawn mainly from the Palace Museum, Beijing, the landmark exhibition will present 400 works illustrating the artistic and cultural riches of Imperial China. Many of the objects have never been shown outside China and include the stunning Emperor’s Yellow Dragon Robe. This particular long pao (dragon robe) is a special bright yellow (ming huang) colour and was reserved for imperial use. It incorporates 12 small motifs emblematic of the supreme authority of the ruler, dispersed among the dragon and cloud design. Jacqueline Simcox will be giving a free lunchtime lecture on Imperial Tastes in Porcelain and Textile Decoration on Monday 30 January 2006.

Tokens for free lunchtime lectures at the RA can be collected from the entrance to the Saloon (John Madejski Fine Rooms) from 12 noon onwards. Doors open at 12.30pm. Tokens are available on a first come, first served basis. www.threeemperors.org.uk, China in London 2006, T: 020 7983 4100, www.visitlondon.com s e l v e d g e . o r g