Chinese dragon robes are among the most exquisite garments ever produced. With this fully illustrated guide, textile scholar and collector Valery M Garrett provides an introduction to the development, construction, and dating of dragon robes. This comprehensive book answers most every question on the subject of dragon robes and is perfect for the beginning collector and anyone interested in costume design.
This is a long-awaited reprint of the major work first published in 1952. China's Dragon Robes is a scholarly survey of the dragon-patterned robes worn by nobles and officials in China during the later dynasties. Intended as a source book on a major phase of Chinese costume, it is based on translations from many Chinese sources and on the author's personal studies of exisiting examples of dragon robes in the USA and in China.The thoroughly decoumented and annotated text, supplemented by carefully chosen illustrations, offers museum curators, historians, and students of Oriental Art a basic discussion of an important, but hitherto neglected chapter in China's cultural history.
All About Chinese Dragons attempts to foster a wider understanding about the Chinese dragon and the many forms it took, in art, legend, and folklore. It is dedicated to the dragon, and its many offshoots and variations, and gives not only details of what a Chinese dragon was, where it was used, and what it was called, but also a few of the hundreds of legends about it that have arisen. The reader will become more acquainted with the dragon, and will gain a greater understanding of this magnificent beast. This book will interest and please the serious student and the enthusiastic tourist alike.
A definitive and detailed pictorial guide to the beautifully embroidered dress accessories used every day by the imperial family and the middle classes in China during the Qing dynasty and early twentieth century. A first of its kind!
An excellent introduction to the study of Chinese textiles, this volume was originally written as a handbook to accompany a special exhibit of Chinese court robes and accessories presented by the Museum in December, 1931. In addition to providing an historical background information essential to understanding these beautiful objects, specific examples from the Met's collection are discussed in detail.
Explores the historical significance of Chinese clothing, and offers examples and commentary on fashions ranging from the dragon robes of the Imperial era to the cheongsams shown on the runways in Paris
Influenced by mythology and religious beliefs, Chinese embroidered textiles are often admired for their intricate patterning, silken and golden threads, and traditional motifs. Chinese Embroidery: Traditional Techniques traces the history of this ancient craft comprised of stunning animals, birds, butterflies, flowers, and figures, and presents readers with the necessary tools, techniques, and fabrics used to recreate these elaborate designs.The most unique elements of Chinese embroidery, including the double-sided and double-faced techniques, are explained through clear instructions and step-by-step illustrations, as well as line drawings. Special attention is also given to the threads and their preparation-some threads used in Chinese embroidery are as thin as a strand of hair-including information on splitting, twisting, and plying.- Provides a brief history of Chinese embroidery and an explanation of the symbols and motifs used in this craft- Detailed line drawings and full-color photographs display the step-by-step process of making specialty stitches- Includes explanation of knot, seed, and flat stitches, and more
Ming Da is only nine years old when he becomes the emperor of China, and his three advisors take advantage of him by stealing his stores of rice, gold, and precious stones. But Ming Da has a plan. With the help of his tailors, he comes up with a clever idea to outsmart his devious advisors: He asks his tailors to make “magical” new clothes for him. Anyone who is honest, the young emperor explains, will see the clothes’ true splendor, but anyone who is dishonest will see only burlap sacks. The emperor dons a burlap sack, and the ministers can’t help but fall for his cunning trick.
