Chinese opera costumes are a truly spectacular sight. An outstanding collection, belonging to Leo Haks, is on display all this summer in the fashion gallery. In the course of the twentieth century, Chinese Opera costumes underwent a stylistic evolution and became increasingly sober. Originally, the operas were performed by troupes of players travelling from temple to temple. Their sumptuous costumes were intended first and foremost for the gods, rather than for their human audiences. Viewed in that light, it is hardly surprising that some of them are so extravagantly decorated. The most spectacular pieces are adorned with over 50,000 sequins! The rewards for donating such literally dazzling costumes were supposed to include not only health, happiness in love and a wealth of progeny in this life, but also a blessed sojourn in the next. This exhibition will include associated pieces of scenery, hats, hairpieces and jewellery. It is designed by the collector's brother, Frans Haks, who is well-known as the director and inspirer of the Groningen Museum.