Mandarin Squares: Mandarins and their Insignia (Images of Asia) [Hardcover]

Valery M. Garrett (Author)

Book Description

Series: Images of Asia | Publication Date: March 14, 1991

Mandarin squares, the embroidered insignia found on the robes of the ruling mandarin class in China's Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), are prized collectors' pieces. This volume provides a lucid account of the mandarin system of government and methods of selecting mandarins. Richly illustrated, the volume traces the origin and development of mandarin squares, and describes the symbolism and embroidery techniques of the insignia.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Valery M. Garrett is a designer and lecturer. Formerly Head of Fashion Design at Hong Kong Polytechnic. Author of Traditional Chinese Clothing in Hong Kong and South China, 1840-1980

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (March 14, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195852397
• ISBN-13: 978-0195852394
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,261,233 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

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Limited Coverage, July 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Mandarin Squares: Mandarins and their Insignia (Images of Asia) (Hardcover)

This is a useful book if you are just getting started learning about mandarin squares. However, this slim volume does not go into any depth. The limited pictures of mandarin squares do not give any indication of how the designs changed over time. The time spent discussing embroidery techniques do not add much to the understanding of the things that were being embroidered. I found Ladder to the Clouds much more informative.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A very basic introduction..., February 15, 2005

By 

BenDRL - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mandarin Squares: Mandarins and their Insignia (Images of Asia) (Hardcover)

This book gives only a very basic introduction to Mandarin Squares. The number of photos is limited, and the book itself is very thin. For a much better book on the subject, check out Ladder to the Clouds by Beverly Jackson & David Hugus.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insights Galore, June 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Mandarin Squares: Mandarins and their Insignia (Images of Asia) (Hardcover)

Although Mandarin Squares might seem to be a narrowly esoteric subject, author Valerie M. Garrett helps us to realize that a facet can be a portal to understanding an entire era. One walks away with a fuller appreciation of just how a 12-inch-square silk weaving can determine how a person was regarded in Dynastic China. Garrett helps us understand how these rank badges of the ruling Mandarin class helped dictate the amount of respect show by others. We also gain understanding of the meanings of various emblems, as well as a great appreciation for the painstaking and artistic work that went into the weaving of these official marks of status.