Introduces Indian embroidery stitches and techniques, and shows examples of quilting, pattern-darning, counted-thread work, whitework, mirror work, metal work, applique, and patchwork

This is the first reference work to describe the history of embroidery throughout Central Asia, the Iranian Plateau and the Indian Subcontinent from the medieval period through to the present. It offers an authoritative guide to all the major embroidery traditions of the region and a detailed examination of the material, technical, artistic and design dimensions of the subject, including its use by today's fashion designers. For millennia, the peoples of Central Asian, the Iranian Plateau and the Indian Subcontinent have migrated and traded along the multiple strands of the Silk Road, both north–south and east–west. This history of contact has found rich expression within the arts and crafts of the region and particularly in the heritage of embroidery which has sat at the heart of the social and cultural lives of these diverse communities. Embroidery has been produced to decorate individuals, their families, their clients, their homes and public spaces and has reflected economic and political changes over time as well as social, religious and artistic contexts. Generously illustrated with 500 images (350 in colour) of clothes, accessories, and examples of decorated soft furnishings such as cushions, bed linen, curtains, floor coverings and wall hangings, the Encyclopedia is an essential resource for students and scholars of the subject.

One of the first books to examine in detail the symbolism of the motifs and designs that give life to marvelous embroidered textiles features a dazzling array of embroideries from all over the world. Lively and informative text explores the relation of designs to different religions, traditions, and cults. Includes a comprehensive regional guide. 279 illus. 171 in color.

Express your unique style with 20 fun and fabulous bags to stitch! Welcome to a selection of the best bags from the popular Stitch magazine, plus 5 brand-new projects, curated by its editors. The book features designs from Malka Dubrawsky, Ayumi Takahashi, Kevin Kosbab, Carol Zentgraf, and many more. Techniques include patchwork, applique, pleating, creating dimension with fabric, and embroidery. Bags of a variety of shapes and sizes were selected, including coin purses, gadget bags, clutches, slouch bags, and messenger bags, so you are sure to find something to make for yourself or give to your friends and family. Inside you will find all of the best bags from Stitch magazine in one place, plus 5 brand-new designs- there's something for everyone!

Selected Essays on China’s Education: Research and Review (4 volumes) consists of 22 most influential theses on the history and tradition of Chinese Education. These essays, selected and translated from China’s Education: Research and Review, a serial publication in Chinese, reflect the progress of qualitative research on Chinese education both within and outside China. Volume 1 focuses on Written and Oral Narratives, including six articles; Volume 2 focuses on History and Current Reality, including five articles; Volume 3 focuses on Knowledge and Tradition, including six articles; and Volume 4 focuses on Gender and Education, including five articles. Aiming to promote academic dialogues on Chinese culture and education, these essays explore important educational and cultural issues in China with a transcultural perspective.

The book provides highlights on the key concepts and trends of evolution in the History of Chinese Folk Crafts, as one of the series of books of “China Classified Histories”.

This book seeks to engage Chinese philosophy to reframe existing Western scholarship in the fields of gender, body, and aesthetics. The assembled essays cover traditional and current global issues related to Chinese female bodies by addressing the following questions: Does Confucianism rule out the capacity of women as moral subjects, and hence, as aesthetic subjects? Do forms of Chinese philosophy in some ways contribute or correspond to the patriarchal Confucian culture? In what ways can Chinese philosophy provide alternative perspectives sought by Western feminist scholars? Professor Man uses an interdisciplinary approach to explore feminist philosophy through the issues of the body, aesthetical representation and gender politics, which are simultaneously historical and contextual. The first section of the book, "Body Discourses in Chinese Philosophy", brings in theoretical and philosophical discussions of Western traditions such as those of Plato, Descartes, and Kant, to examine their views on body and mind and how the Chinese philosophical ideas offered by Confucians and Daoists provide alternative body ontologies for critical feminist practices. The second section, "Chinese Bodies, Aesthetics and Art", reviews female aesthetical representations in classical traditional Chinese works ranging from The Books of Songs, women's embroidery, sexuality and suggested ways of kissing, and the contemporary body art represented by the controversial body artist He Chengyao. These chapters demonstrate the intertwining relationship among body, sexuality, aesthetics and the ascribed gendered roles in social environments. The third section, "Chinese Bodies and Gender Matters", aims to unfold the changing perceptions of femininity from imperial China to contemporary China. Case studies touch on female body ideals in the literary fantasies in late Ming, in the iron girls in Communist China, and in the Olympics Hoopla at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This section also discusses Hong Kong women's fashion in the 1960s and how their bodies were shaped by colonial politics. Finally, the subject of sex and emotion in the development of ethical discourse of Chinese female sex workers from late Qing to contemporary society is discussed alongside the impact of the global economy on female beauty today. Overall, this book discusses new conceptual models that feminist scholars are using to displace dualism and emancipate notions of the body from Cartesian mechanistic models and metaphors. The different chapters review traditional and contemporary alternatives to understanding female bodies in Chinese society. Eva Man is professor of humanities and creative writing at Hong Kong Baptist University. She publishes widely in comparative aesthetics, feminist philosophy, cultural studies, art, and cultural criticism.

From the Bronze Age through the Middle Ages, a network of trade and migration routes brought people from across Eurasia into contact. Their commerce included political, social, and artistic ideas, as well as material goods such as metals and textiles. Reconfiguring the Silk Road offers new research on the earliest trade and cultural interactions along these routes, mapping the spread and influence of Silk Road economies and social structures over time. This volume features contributions by renowned scholars uncovering new discoveries related to populations that lived in the Tarim Basin, the advanced state of textile manufacturing in the region, and the diffusion of domesticated grains across Inner Asia. Other chapters include an analysis of the dispersal of languages across the Eurasian Steppe and a detailed examination of the domestication of the horse in the region. Contextualized with a foreword by Colin Renfrew and introduction by Victor Mair, Reconfiguring the Silk Road provides a new assessment of the intercultural evolution along the steppes and beyond. Contributors: David W. Anthony, Elizabeth Wayland Barber, Dorcas R. Brown, Peter Brown, Michael D. Frachetti, Jane Hickman, Philip L. Kohl, Victor H. Mair, J. P. Mallory, Joseph G. Manning, Colin Renfrew.

Traditional Indian textiles are an embodiment of artistic expression, cultural heritage, and centuries-old craftsmanship. They serve as a tapestry of colors, patterns, and techniques that reflect the rich diversity and intricate tapestry of India's cultural landscape. Each textile tells a story, weaving together the threads of history, tradition, and creativity that have shaped the vibrant tapestry of Indian textile traditions. This preface aims to delve into the captivating world of traditional Indian textiles, exploring their significance, beauty, and enduring legacy. It invites readers to embark on a journey through time, unraveling the captivating tales spun by skilled artisans and weavers across the length and breadth of India. India's textile heritage is a treasure trove of techniques and designs that have been nurtured for generations. From the delicate handwoven silk sarees of Varanasi to the intricate block prints of Rajasthan, from the vibrant tie-dye textiles of Gujarat to the ornate embroidery of Lucknow, each region boasts its own distinct textile tradition. These traditions not only bear witness to the artistic prowess of the artisans but also serve as a testament to the deep-rooted connection between textiles and Indian culture. Throughout history, Indian textiles have not only adorned the bodies of its people but have also played a pivotal role in religious rituals, social ceremonies, and daily life. The harmonious blend of colors, the meticulous craftsmanship, and the profound symbolism embedded in the textiles are a testament to the profound reverence for aesthetics and the interplay between tradition and innovation. In recent times, there has been a renewed appreciation for traditional Indian textiles, both within India and on the global stage. Designers, artists, and connoisseurs of textile arts are rediscovering the beauty and cultural significance of these textiles, incorporating them into contemporary fashion, interior design, and artistic creations. This revival not only brings these art forms into the limelight but also ensures the preservation of traditional skills and empowers the communities involved in their creation. Yet, as we celebrate the beauty and legacy of traditional Indian textiles, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world. Globalization, modernization, and the relentless pursuit of mass production pose significant threats to the sustainability and preservation of these precious traditions. It is our collective responsibility to protect and promote these invaluable art forms, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate the legacy of traditional Indian textiles. This preface sets the stage for an immersive exploration of the world of traditional Indian textiles, delving into their historical significance, cultural context, craftsmanship, and the efforts being made to preserve and promote them. Through this journey, we hope to foster a deep appreciation for the intricacies and beauty of these textiles, inspiring a renewed commitment to their preservation and promotion. Join us on this captivating voyage through the realms of traditional Indian textiles, where heritage meets artistry, and the threads of the past intertwine with the present to create an enduring legacy of beauty, culture, and tradition.

Needlework serves functional purposes, such as providing warmth, but has also communicated individual and social identity, spiritual beliefs, and aesthetic ideals throughout time and geography. Needlework traditions are often associated with rituals and celebrations of life events. Often-overlooked by historians, practicing needlework and creating needlework objects provides insights to the history of everyday life. Needlework techniques traveled with merchants and explorers, creating a legacy of cross-cultural exchange. Some techniques are virtually universal and others are limited to a small geographical area. Settlers brought traditions which were sometimes re-invented as indigenous arts. This volume of approximately 75 entries is a comprehensive resource on techniques and cultural traditions for students, information professionals, and collectors.