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Rating: 
Summary: A Primer for Chinese Dress
Review: Book: CHINESE DRAGON ROBES Author: VALERY M. GARRETT This would ideally be the first book one would read when beginning to research Chinese robes. Garrett divides her book into categories which include Early dragon robes, Qing dragon and court robes, construction, and symbolism. This overview is greatly enhanced by plates of a wide range of 24 different robes; each one representing a specific style, rank, gender, or age group. The only regret is that many of Garrett's illustrations and photos are in black and white. The beauty of the colors is a main feature of the dragon robes. It was an easy and enjoyable book to read. I began to skim the "construction" section, expecting it to be boring (I have no desire to make one!), but found so many areas of interest, that I read it in its entirety. I recommend this book for anyone who appreciates the grandeur of Chinese art. The robes are among the most important treasures to be found. It was sad to read that many of the best examples are in the West, and that the Palace Museum in Beijing rarely displays them. Perhaps as tourism expands, they will recognize the need to use the robes in drawing the crowds.
Rating:
Summary: A Primer for Chinese Dress
Review: Book: CHINESE DRAGON ROBES Author: VALERY M. GARRETT This would ideally be the first book one would read when beginning to research Chinese robes. Garrett divides her book into categories which include Early dragon robes, Qing dragon and court robes, construction, and symbolism. This overview is greatly enhanced by plates of a wide range of 24 different robes; each one representing a specific style, rank, gender, or age group. The only regret is that many of Garrett's illustrations and photos are in black and white. The beauty of the colors is a main feature of the dragon robes. It was an easy and enjoyable book to read. I began to skim the "construction" section, expecting it to be boring (I have no desire to make one!), but found so many areas of interest, that I read it in its entirety. I recommend this book for anyone who appreciates the grandeur of Chinese art. The robes are among the most important treasures to be found. It was sad to read that many of the best examples are in the West, and that the Palace Museum in Beijing rarely displays them. Perhaps as tourism expands, they will recognize the need to use the robes in drawing the crowds.
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