Chinese Folk Designs (Dover Pictorial Archives) [Paperback]

Willis M. Hawley (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dover Pictorial Archives | Publication Date: June 1, 1971

300 authentic, solid-silhouette designs printed in colors: phoenix, chrysanthemum, lotus, plum blossom, butterfly, fish, boat, etc. Provides rare source of ideas and direct reproduction wherever Oriental flavor is needed. "One of the most aesthetically pleasing books to cross our desk in a long time!" — Kliatt Paperback Book Guide. 300 plates.

Product Details

• Paperback: 315 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (June 1, 1971)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486226336
• ISBN-13: 978-0486226330
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #455,550 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful designs, nicely explained, August 23, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Chinese Folk Designs (Dover Pictorial Archives) (Paperback)

I ran across this title in a small shop in San Francisco's Chinatown. I was running short on cash, and was kicking myself within 24 hours for not purchasing this book. Hawley provides 300 cut paper designs used in traditional Chinese embroidery. Each design is in white on a solid color background (red, blue, black, brown, or purple). The designs are clear and easy to see and enjoy. A brief introduction gives a little background (I would have liked more) on this folk art, and an index at the beginning allows users to look up symbols of specific interest. Do that, but browse the rest of the book as well!

An eight-page supplement at the end illustrates 160 symbols (including ideograms, trigrams from the I Ching, and pictoral symbols) used in traditional decorative arts along with their meanings. Fascinating!

For those interested in learning more about Chinese art, or for those who just enjoy beautiful designs, this is an excellent choice.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Design Source, June 20, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Chinese Folk Designs (Dover Pictorial Archives) (Paperback)

I have used this book numerous times for the somewhat non-traditional purpose of tattoo designs. My complaint is minor, and it has to do with how the book is formatted. The designs are white on a red or black background. This makes it a little difficult to photocopy for use; especially on the red pages.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great for tattoos, June 1, 2007

By 

Ashley Townzen (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chinese Folk Designs (Dover Pictorial Archives) (Paperback)

I bought this book at an art store with the purpose of finding a tattoo. I did and 5 years later I got it... Lots of great designs inside.