Threads of Gold: Chinese Textiles: Ming to Ch'ing [Hardcover]

Paul Haig (Author), Marla Shelton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2007

Chinese textiles go back thousands of years. The Silk Road was named for the extensive trade in these fine materials. Due to China's size and history of successive wealthy dynasties, a vast amount of textile art is available for study today. Great tombs have yielded beautiful and dateable pieces worn and used by elite members of Chinese society. These and other fragile examples reside in museums and a few private collections. Other examples of antique Chinese textiles are found still to be in the marketplace. While it is impossible to look at these beautiful examples and not admire the skill of the weaver and embroiderer, until now there has been little information about their history or value. This comprehensive guide to collectible Chinese textiles with an extensive number of examples and with an understandable grading system that relates to what constitutes value. This book is beautifully illustrated with over 500 detailed photos of ceremonial court robes, badges, and decorative textiles dating from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) through the Ching dynasty, (1644-1911). It is designed for historians, Asian studies sholars, and textile collectors, from beginning to advanced, as a real-world representation of available pieces and an indepth study. It is a must for appraisers and connoisseurs alike.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (July 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764325388
• ISBN-13: 978-0764325380
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #160,105 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #39 in Books > History > Ancient > China
  • #45 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Textiles & Costume

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Threads of Gold, March 8, 2008

By 

Margaret T. Ordonez - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Threads of Gold: Chinese Textiles: Ming to Ch'ing (Hardcover)

Haig and Shelton have provided a view of Chinese Textiles that is not only readable but also a good reference book for those working with costume collections that contain Ching textiles and apparel. The divisions in the book are most helpful, particularly separating court and less formal wear. The figues are also a great help, particularly the great color. I am very glad that I purchased this book and refer to it often.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars textiles to treasure, January 19, 2010

By 

K. Platt "blackplantlady" (Sheffield, England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Threads of Gold: Chinese Textiles: Ming to Ch'ing (Hardcover)

This is a real treasure chest for all lovers of Chinese textiles. My mouth waters as I flick through the pages of this hefty tome. China has a rich and colourful textile history that is presented here in an excellent format. My love of Chinese textiles was fuelled by the film 'The Last Emperor', as a result of which I launched a collection of knitwear based on Chinese textiles. This book has re-kindled the flame. This book has excellent reproduction, a wide choice of textiles and includes interesting text and notes. I highly recommend it not only for textiles designers but other artistic pursuits.