Silken Threads: A History of Embroidery in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam [Hardcover]

Young Yang Chung (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2005

Lavishly illustrated with photographs of magnificent dragon and bridal robes, rank badges, kimonos, and other embroidered textiles produced during the last two thousand years, this fascinating study of East Asian embroidery through the ages is not only educational, but also a feast for the eyes. Vintage photography and artwork showing these costumes and textiles in use are also featured, as well as Young's recent research which is sure to settle longstanding debates among textile scholars. Beyond history and style, she presents a wealth of information about the symbolism and meaning of embroidered designs, just as she explains the uses and functions of embroidered textiles.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Early in this sumptuously illustrated volume, Chung (Art of Oriental Embroidery) notes that she has produced three of the most significant books on the history of Asian textiles and embroidery; such a statement might appear arrogant if it weren't true. Her latest achievement combines the lavish beauty of an art book with a hefty text that will be invaluable to scholars of textile history and Asian art. Chung makes an exhaustive review of her topic, covering the evolution of stitching techniques, colors and patterns in various regions. She elucidates the meaning and uses of particular patterns—including an entire chapter on Dragon robes—revealing how these elements were used to distinguish class and rank. Though Chung's prose style is mostly workmanlike, her skill as a master embroiderer comes through in her descriptions of stitching techniques, which will delight serious practitioners of the craft. Asian art enthusiasts will treasure the hundreds of beautifully reproduced images, including detail views that are as instructive about Asian embroidery technique as the text itself. 350 illus., 275 in full color, as well as 8 clear and well-organized tables. (Sept.)
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About the Author

Young Yang Chung, world-renowned master embroiderer, was born and raised in Korea, where in the mid-1960s she founded The International Embroidery School and established Korea's first vocational embroidery centre. Chung is a leading scholar and expert in the field of East Asian textile arts, and her book The Art of Oriental Embroidery (1979) became the first English-language reference devoted exclusively to the origins and development of silk embroidery in East Asia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; First Edition edition (July 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810943301
• ISBN-13: 978-0810943308
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.9 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #986,270 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning Beauty, November 9, 2006

By 

Cat's Meow "Rickytickytwo" (Bradenton, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Silken Threads: A History of Embroidery in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam (Hardcover)

I splurged and ordered this book, and am I glad that I did. It was a jaw-dropping feast for the eyes, and well-worth ever penny spent on it.

The photographs are absolutely amazing, the details are brought to light
exceptionally well, and the text illuminates this Asian craft world just
perfectly.

One of the best features of this volume is that one can readily SEE in detail the various works of the needleworker's arts from each timeper-
iod, providing as an added bonus, inspiration for one's own embroidery.

I highly recommend this book, for needleworkers and designers and for
the aficionado of handwork arts.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Textile Treasures - a review by Jocelyn Chatterton., May 2, 2006

By 

Mrs. J. M. Chatterton "Jocelyn Chatterton" (U.K.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Silken Threads: A History of Embroidery in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam (Hardcover)

This comprehensive account of East Asian embroidery is a must for any textile collector. Beautifully illustrated throughout and wonderfully informative it educates and feasts the eye. The photographic details are very clear and provide a good indication of the different textures. There is also a useful, fully comprehensive bibliography encouraging further exploration of this fascinating subject.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Silken Threads reviewed by Judith Rutherford, March 23, 2006

By 

Down Under (Sydney Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Silken Threads: A History of Embroidery in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam (Hardcover)

Silken Threads leads the reader through a wonderful journey charting the evolution of the embroidery of the East Asian region.

Dr. Chung apart from being a Master Embroiderer, and probably the only women in the word who has had a Museum named after her in her native Korea, is also a well respected Art Historian. This is not a "how to" book but a serious study of the history and art as it relates to the embroidery of China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.

It is well illustrated and reflects the many years of study that Dr. Chung has spent researching this absorbing area of study.