Chinese Textile Designs

Abstract

Recent archaeological excavations in the People's Republic of China have brought to light a wealth of early textiles, many in remarkably good condition, causing scholars to reassess the history of Chinese textile technology and design. Some of the most important of these designs are illustrated in this volume in which the author discusses all the significant archaeogical material and uses it to explain the development of spinning, weaving, printing, dyeing and embroidery in China. The majority of the pieces illustrated are of silk, and Professor Gao traces the history of sericulture back to the neolithic era, assessing the importance of Chinese textile technology within the context of the history of fabrics in the rest of the world. The author provides a detailed history of technological developments associated with the production of cloth and clothing. The author also makes full use of ancient Chinese texts in his discussion of the social and political significance of coloured and decorated fabrics throughout Chinese history.

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