Ladder to the Clouds: Intrigue and Tradition in Chinese Rank (Hardcover)

~ (Author), David Hugus (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

With Hugus, a collector who supplies many of the examples here as well as much of the more scholarly text, Jackson, the writer of Splendid Slippers: A Thousand Years of an Erotic Tradition, tackles another intriguing Chinese social phenomenon: official rank and its insignia as represented in the imperial costume of Ming and Ch'ing dynasties (1368-1912). Each rank was identified by a finely woven or embroidered silk square that was worn on the front and back of a surcoat. The iconography--birds for civil ranks and real and mythological animals for military ranks--indicates not only official status but also the general Chinese worldview. Although the pictures and text are at times somewhat uncoordinated, the beautifully reproduced full-color illustrations of the badges together with archival photographs do provide a multifaceted view of the ancient system. This first comprehensive book on the topic--providing a historical and cultural background as well as information for decoding Chinese symbols on imperial dress--serves as a guide for art, military, and cultural historians as well as collectors. Recommended for larger collections of Asian art and culture in both academic and public libraries.
-Lucia S. Chen, NYPL
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

NOW IN PAPERBACK!For 13 centuries, throughout China male recruits studied diligently for a long series of grueling examinations in hopes of achieving the civil rank that would enable them to serve the emperor of China. For the fortunate few who passed these exams there were nine possible ranks, each identified by a square badge of finely woven kesi, embroidery, or brocade. Now available in paperback, LADDER TO THE CLOUDS offers a thorough analysis of symbols, styles, and techniques used in mandarin square ranks, along with the most complete information for their identification to date.An exploration of Chinese symbols and customs, many of which are still practiced today.Includes vintage photographs and detailed descriptions, photos, and illustrations.Finalist for the 2000 Kiriyama Pacific Rim Book Award.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 326 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580081274
• ISBN-13: 978-1580081276
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #805,653 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ladder to the Clouds, April 21, 2000

By	Esta S. Cueni Lupo (France) - See all my reviews

This book is a must for anyone interested in Asian art and, in particular, the Chinese rank system and the textiles associated with it. I expect this book to become THE reference book on the subject. I highly recommend it to all those dealing in antique Chinese objects and museums specializing in Asian art. It is obvious to me that both authors have not only throughly researched their topics but also are impassioned by them.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction to Mandarin Squares and Chinese Culture, June 24, 2001

By	thenewyorkie "mhatch" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

I love this book! The two different parts of this book really works. In Part One, written by Beverley Jackson is an interesting look at Chinese culture and the journey to the mandarin squares. The fictional story of two boys and their different journeys brings the mandarin squares to life. The studying and sacrifices involved in order to wear the mandarin square are staggering. It heightens the appreciation of the squares themselves in Part Two.

In Part Two, David Hugus does an excellent job in dissecting and then explaining the elements making up the squares. Beyond the intellectual and technical issues, Hugus also discusses mandarin squares in the marketplace.

The two authors obviously have a great love and interest in the mandarin squares and the Chinese culture. I recommend this book highly.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The History of the Mandarin Squares, March 28, 2000

By	Norbert Richter (Silver City, New Mexico) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the best and most complete book available on Mandarin Squares. A must read for the collector of these badges.

The text is extremely informative and the most comprehensive on the subject. It has well over 100 beautiful pictures of many examples of the nine civil and nine military rank badges.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Chinese Textiles especially in the intricate embroidered Mandarin Squares and learn about their history.