China Books

Chinese Silk: A Cultural History

VAINKER Shelagh [Other titles by this author]

Stock ID: 23062

ISBN: 9780714114798

British Museum Press 2004 1st Edition

255 x 260mm; 100 colour illustrations; 30 b&w line drawings 224pp

~Silk is one of China's major contributions to world civilisation, the secrets of its cultivation closely guarded for generations. The famous network of trade routes between West and East is still known as the Silk Road. The organisation and techniques of Chinese silk production, the uses of the silk produced - both bolts and made-up pieces - and the types and styles of its ornament are celebrated in this richly illustrated and accessible book, the first general survey to be published in English.

~Shelagh Vainker traces the cultural history of silk in China from its Neolithic origins to the 20th century and considers its relationship to the other decorative arts. She traces the role of silk in Chinese history, trade, religion, and literature. Drawing on the most recent archaeological evidence from other, less perishable, media such as jades and bronzes - as well as paintings, poems, and other texts - Chinese Silk brings together material available until now only in Chinese. Recent acquisitions by public and private collections in the United States and Europe are also noted. The result is a book that illuminates the luxury of silk throughout the ages.

~Shelagh Vainker is the author of Chinese Pottery & Porcelain and co-author of The British Museum Book of Chinese Art. Formerly a curator in the Department of Oriental Antiquities at the British Museum, she is now assistant keeper of Eastern Art at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. (For this item please quote stock ID 23062)

Related Subject Areas:

Clothing/Costume      History      Textiles and Silk