In the Chinese way of describing the necessities of life, clothing ranks at the top of "garments, food, shelter and means of travel". In this country with a long history of garments and ornaments, there is a wealth of archeological findings showing the development of garments, as well as their portrayals in ancient mythology, history books, poems and songs, novels and drama. China, as a country made up of 56 ethnic groups that continually influenced each other, has undergone continuous transformation in dress style and customs.
Hua Mei Born in the city of Tianjin .She is the head and professor of the international School of Women of the Tianjin Normal University and head of the Huamei Clothing Ornament Culturology Study. Her major works include Human Costume and Ornament Culturology, Costume, Ornament and Chinese Culture, and etc. She edited several series of books and wrote the Garments and Ornament Column on People's Daily.
Table of Contents
Preface
A Brief History of Ancient Garments
Shenyi and Broad Sleeves
Introduction of Ethnic Minority Styles
The Elegant Wei and ]in Period
The Thousand Faces of the Tang Costume
Beizi: a Song Style Garment
Ming Garments as Seen in Classical Portraits
Qi Costumes-a Combination of Manchu and Han
Nationality's Clothes
Clothes and Hierarchy in Ancient Times
Royal Ceremonial Wear
The Official Uniform
Ancient armor suits
Silk, the Silk Road and the Art of Embroidery
Beauty of Primitive Garments
Adornments and Fairy Tales
Hats with Meanings
Shawls and the Back Wrapping Cloth
A Silhouette of Tibet Costumes
Countless Ornamental Objects
Trends in Modern Garments
Civilized New Clothes and Improved Cheong-sam
Farmer & Worker Uniforms and Service-dresses
Professional image and professional dresses
Keeping Pace with the World Fashion
Appendix: Chronological Table of the
Chinese Dynasties