Full color look at the history of traditional and ceremonial clothing in China.

Intensively researched and lavishly illustrated, this book provides a comprehensive history of Chinese clothing design. "This beautifully designed and printed volume is one of the best".--The New York Times.

"The costumes of the major historical periods in China each have their own particular characteristics, and yet are subtly connected, borrowing and learning from each other and developing from one generation to the next. This book showcases the clothing of emperors and empresses, government officials, warriors, the upper classes and the common people of China from the Western Zhou dynasty to modern times. Photographs of leaders such as the Empress Dowager Cixi, and their garments, as well as paintings, figures, and illustrations show the costume styles of people of all ranks and walks of life. An appendix outlines the evolution of clothing and accessories throughout Chinese history. Includes two perforated postcards."

Featuring over 450 archival photographs and line drawings, Chinese Dress traces the evolution of Chinese clothing from court and formal costumes to the fashions of modern China. A comprehensive and sumptuously illustrated book, Chinese Dress is the essential reference for costume historians, fashion designers and collectors, as well as lovers of beautiful clothes everywhere. Chapters include: Dress of the Qing Manchu Rulers 1644-1911 Dress of the Manchu Consorts 1644-1911 Attire of Mandarins and Merchants Attire of Chinese Women Republican Dress 1912-1949 Clothing of the Lower Classes Clothing for Children Dress in New China 1950-2006 From Imperial robes to foot binding to the cheongsam, Chinese Dress spotlights traditional Chinese dress against a background of historical, cultural and social change, opening a fascinating window for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of China, Chinese culture and Chinese fashion history.

This book presents the clothing and personal ornaments from 221 BC to modern day. An oversized edition, it intersperses photographs of costume replicas, color duplications of ancient paintings and sculpture, to illustrate many types of ancient attire and ornamentation, and the symbolism behind it.

This illustrated introduction to Chinese clothing discusses the development and transformation of distinctive Chinese fashions through the ages.