5000 Years of Chinese Costumes (Hardcover)

~ Zhou Xun (Author, Editor), Gao Chunming (Author), Chunming Gao (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Using written records, paintings, figurines, and actual garments and fabrics when available, the authors have created a chronological record of Chinese dress and hair styles from ancient times to the 20th century. Dress of the upper classes, military, common people, and of both men and women are included. In addition to photographs of relevant historical artifacts, brightly colorful drawings of costumes are provided and give the book much of its visual interest. With its appealing graphics, award-winning book design, and readable text, suitable for both lay readers and students; such details as garment measurements make it useful to scholars and costume designers. Kathryn W. Finkelstein, M.L.S., Cincinnati
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Chinese

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: China Books & Periodicals (October 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0835118223
• ISBN-13: 978-0835118224
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,226,462 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lao's review, February 23, 2001

By	"hdaveno" (Shoreline WA) - See all my reviews

An excellent, full color overview of Chinese robes from neolithic through modern times. Organized by dynasty, each chapter gives a few text pages covering basics in garment style, hairstyle and make up, and footwear for that dynasty. The full color plates are generally focused on court robes, but also include some armor, dance costumes and scholars robes. Most of the garments are rendered in a 2-dimensional layout, with either paintings or statuary from the period as primary documentation. I found the appendixes in the back to be most useful, showing the evolution of body and sleeve style through progressive dynasties. A few examples of accessories are shown. It is a good starting point for the study of the clothing of the nobility. It does not go in to much detail on the clothing of the common man until the modern era.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best historic survey of Chinese costume available in English, March 25, 2005

By	Catherine Raymond (Malvern, PA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There may be better histories of Chinese costume, and there may even be more comprehensive ones, but I know of no more through history of Chinese costume in English other than this book. It is also lucidly organized by period and features numerous illustrations, but of period artworks and color sketches of period costume designs. An absolute must for the English-speaking scholar who wishes to become conversant with the outlines of the history of Chinese costume.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beauty and Rare Title, August 4, 2006

By	booklover "contributor" (SF, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This book was published in Hong Kong. It lists Chinese costumes throughout her 5000 years of history. The book not only shows artifacts, paintings and ornaments about the Chinese costumes through out ages, it also has drawings of costume.

This is a must have title in your library.