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Chinese Dragon Robes
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.
on the subject of dragon robes and is perfect for the beginning collector and anyone interested in costume design.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published February 25, 1999
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December 26, 2017
For centuries, the members of various societies and cultures have utilized clothing to signify their place--be it the color, material or design. Chinese Dragon Robes is a very good example of this, even making it law as to what color robes represent and the number of dragons (and other various items) appear on a robe; even the number of claws a dragon has (4 or 5) and whether it's facing forward or in profile. Garrett's study of dragon robes is very in-depth, and surely was a lot of confusing work that required loads of research since many of the laws that were applied were not so-well governed.
Besides descriptions of Ming or Qing dynasty robes, or the look of the Manchu, and where they all fit in with supreme rulers and their families, lower-level rulers, other people of importance, the book details the construction of the robes, and symbolism. Their are a number of images and plates referenced in the book, which is both a help and a hindrance. The beautiful craftsmanship of the robes is a bit difficult to see in a 6" x 9" book.
For reference (i.e. plays, film, TV) the information in Chinese Dragon Robes is a very good source if a director or costume designer is seeking accuracy for their production. For historians, the book is also an interesting look at the importance and process of such magnificent clothing.
Besides descriptions of Ming or Qing dynasty robes, or the look of the Manchu, and where they all fit in with supreme rulers and their families, lower-level rulers, other people of importance, the book details the construction of the robes, and symbolism. Their are a number of images and plates referenced in the book, which is both a help and a hindrance. The beautiful craftsmanship of the robes is a bit difficult to see in a 6" x 9" book.
For reference (i.e. plays, film, TV) the information in Chinese Dragon Robes is a very good source if a director or costume designer is seeking accuracy for their production. For historians, the book is also an interesting look at the importance and process of such magnificent clothing.
Displaying 1 of 1 review