Chinese Dragon Robes (Images of Asia) [Hardcover]

Valery M. Garrett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 25, 1999 | Series: Images of Asia

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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Valery M. Garrett is a designer and lecturer, and formerly Head of Fashion Design at Hong Kong Polytechnic.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 25, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195904990
• ISBN-13: 978-0195904994
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,339,612 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

British born Valery Garrett has lived in Hong Kong since 1973. From her early interest in traditional dress worn in Hong Kong in the 1970s, she has become an acknowledged authority on Chinese dress and accessories. Over 250 items from her collection were acquired and exhibited by the Victoria & Albert Museum in London for their permanent collection. A fashion designer turned full-time freelance writer, she specialises in Chinese culture and travel, especially Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Valery has written eleven non-fiction books, her latest being 'Discover Hong Kong, the City's History and Culture Redefined', published by Marshall Cavendish, 2008.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Primer for Chinese Dress, May 22, 2000

By 

REBECCA WHITE - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chinese Dragon Robes (Images of Asia) (Hardcover)

Book: CHINESE DRAGON ROBES Author: VALERY M. GARRETT

This would ideally be the first book one would read when beginning to research Chinese robes. Garrett divides her book into categories which include Early dragon robes, Qing dragon and court robes, construction, and symbolism. This overview is greatly enhanced by plates of a wide range of 24 different robes; each one representing a specific style, rank, gender, or age group. The only regret is that many of Garrett's illustrations and photos are in black and white. The beauty of the colors is a main feature of the dragon robes. It was an easy and enjoyable book to read. I began to skim the "construction" section, expecting it to be boring (I have no desire to make one!), but found so many areas of interest, that I read it in its entirety. I recommend this book for anyone who appreciates the grandeur of Chinese art. The robes are among the most important treasures to be found. It was sad to read that many of the best examples are in the West, and that the Palace Museum in Beijing rarely displays them. Perhaps as tourism expands, they will recognize the need to use the robes in drawing the crowds.