The Book of Silk - Softcover

Scott, Philippa

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0500283087 ISBN 13: 9780500283080

Publisher: Thames & Hudson, 2001

Synopsis

Luxury, beauty, refinement, sensuality, elegance - silk is synonymous with all of these. No fiber - natural or man-made - rivals its versatility. Silk is light but strong, smooth and soft, supremely adaptable. It can be made wonderfully warm or deliciously cool, and dyed with infinite subtlety or boldness of color. When worn or draped, its fluidity is spellbinding.

The Book of Silk follows the story of this remarkable material through 5,000 years, reproducing hundreds of fabrics, furnishings, and garments from all parts of the world. From ancient China, where the secret of reeling silkworm cocoons was first discovered, the narrative leads by the legendary Silk Routes to Byzantium and the Islamic world, to Ottoman Turkey and India - and on to the Renaissance, baroque, and rococo silks of Western Christendom. In modern times the fashion industry yields a wonderful array of designs from Fortuny, Balenciaga, Poiret, and Schiaparelli, among others.

A dazzling selection of illustrations, many drawn from private collections, reveals silk's omnipresence in couture and decoration, carpets, embroidery, and even painting. Complete with a detailed reference section that includes terms and technical processes, collecting and care, galleries and museums, and a bibliography, The Book of Silk will appeal to anyone interested in history, fashion, and beauty.

274 illustrations, 180 in color

About this title

About the Author:

Historian, writer, and journalist, Philippa Scott is London Arts Correspondent for the Turkish magazine Cornucopia and Contributing Editor to Hali. She is the author of Turkish Delights.

From Library Journal:

Now that washable silk garments are widely available to the average shopper, there should be interest in the complex history of this luxurious fiber. Textile specialist Scott, herself a collector, has gathered into one volume photographs of more than 200 examples of exotic silk fabrics from all cultures and ages since antiquity. Following the Silk Road from China and Japan through Asia into Europe, the story is as variegated as the rich colors, weaves, and embroideries that were used for the ceremonial or everyday accoutrements of the wealthy and powerful. Brief mention is made of silk usage in the United States. With so much information crammed into a single book, occasional stylistic monotony may be forgiven, but the omission of maps and dynastic chronologies is unfortunate. Included are a useful glossary of terms and techniques, a concise guide to collecting, care, and conservation, and museum and collections lists. This visually appealing book will please curators and costume and textile students. Appropriate for large public and academic collections.
- Therese D. Baker, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling Green
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Thames & Hudson
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0500283087
• ISBN 13: 9780500283080
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256