SILKEN THREADS Young Yang Chung

Weighs 2.25kg

# Format: Hardback

# Pages: 464

# Dimensions: 290 x 225

# Publication: March 2005

# Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly

Early in this sumptuously illustrated volume, Chung (Art of Oriental Embroidery) notes that she has produced three of the most significant books on the history of Asian textiles and embroidery; such a statement might appear arrogant if it weren't true. Her latest achievement combines the lavish beauty of an art book with a hefty text that will be invaluable to scholars of textile history and Asian art. Chung makes an exhaustive review of her topic, covering the evolution of stitching techniques, colors and patterns in various regions. She elucidates the meaning and uses of particular patterns—including an entire chapter on Dragon robes—revealing how these elements were used to distinguish class and rank. Though Chung's prose style is mostly workmanlike, her skill as a master embroiderer comes through in her descriptions of stitching techniques, which will delight serious practitioners of the craft. Asian art enthusiasts will treasure the hundreds of beautifully reproduced images, including detail views that are as instructive about Asian embroidery technique as the text itself. 350 illus., 275 in full color, as well as 8 clear and well-organized tables. (Sept.)

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Product Description

Master embroiderer and world-renowned textile historian Young Yang Chung brings a wealth of new information to light in Silken Threads, to date one of the most authoritative and comprehensive guides to the origins, history, aesthetics, and cultural context of embroidered textiles in East Asia. Lavishly illustrated with photographs of magnificent dragon and bridal robes, rank badges, kimonos, and other gorgeous embroidered textiles, this book is not only an indispensable reference in the field but also a delight to the eye.

The reader will discover in greater detail than ever before the fascinating evolution of the elaborately embroidered rank badge, a crucial element of clothing for all government officials at court in East Asian cultures. Chung's recent findings about Korean and Vietnamese embroidery traditions are also new to this book. The author's many revelations, uncovered through intensive research since the publication of her 1979 book The Art of Oriental Embroidery, should settle longstanding debates among textile scholars. AUTHOR BIO: Young Yang Chung, world-renowned embroiderer, is the author of Abrams' Painting with a Needle. Her 1979 book, The Art of Oriental Embroidery, was the first English-language book devoted to the development of silk embroidery in East Asia. She divides her time between her native Korea and New York. Robert D. Mowry is the Alan J. Dworsky Curator of Chinese Art at the Harvard University Art Museums.

About the Author

Young Yang Chung, world-renowned embroiderer, is the author of Abrams' Painting with a Needle. Her 1979 book, The Art of Oriental Embroidery, was the first English-language book devoted to the development of silk embroidery in East Asia. She divides her time between her native Korea and New York. Robert D. Mowry is the Alan J. Dworsky Curator of Chinese Art at the Harvard University Art Museums.