Clothed to rule the Universe : Ming and Qing Dynasty textiles at the Art Institute of Chicago /  [contributors, John E. Vollmer, Elinor Pearlstein, Christa C. Mayer Thurman].

Exhibition held Sept. 13, 2000 to Jan. 2, 2001 at the Art Institute of Chicago and organized by the Dept. of Textiles.

"Originally appeared as volume 26, no. 2, of The Art Institute of Chicago museum studies"--Title page verso.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 98-112).

Also issued online.

Introduction /  Christa C. Mayer Thurman --  Clothed to Rule the Universe: Ming and Qing Dynasty Textiles at The Art Institute of Chicago /  John E. Vollmer --  Catalogue /  John E. Vollmer --  Color, Life, and Moment: Early Chicago Collectors of Chinese Textiles /  Elinor Pearlstein.

"This book is the first publication devoted entirely to The Art Institute of Chicago's exceptional holdings of Chinese textiles, and is an essential reference source for all those interested in the design and cultural significance of these brilliant artifacts. Richly illustrated with full color reproductions, this book showcases approximately eighty important objects - including court robes, priestly vestments, and furnishing textiles for imperial palaces - dating from the seventeenth to the early twentieth century. A main essay surveys the entire collection, and is followed by a complete checklist that incorporates full technical data on each piece, and offers brief, engaging entries on individual works. Also included is an essay exploring the fascinating history of Chinese-textile collecting in Chicago. The contributors to this publication include renowned Chinese-textiles expert John E. Vollmer, and Art Institute of Chicago curators Elinor Pearlstein and Christa C. Mayer Thurman."--Jacket.

Decoding dragons : status garments in Ch'ing dynasty China / John E. Vollmer.

"Catalog to the ... collection of Ch'ing dynasty costumes at the Museum of Art, University of Oregon."--Introduction

Includes bibliographical references (pages 222-223).

Ruling from the Dragon Throne : costume of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) / John E. Vollmer.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 152-157) and index.

The Qing dynasty: historical background -- East Asian clothing traditions -- Manchu garments -- In service of the Dragon Throne.

Toward the end of nearly 2,000 years of imperial rule in China, the last dynasty, designated Qing, was led by the ethnically and culturally distinct Manchu people. The Manchu established a political organization using clothing fashioned after their nomadic roots to signify status and identity. Author John E. Vollmer details the characteristics of Manchu dynasty costume and its political, social, and cultural significance and influence in Chinese history. Included are descriptions of the various designs and symbology on the cloth, as well as diagrams illustrating garment-making technology and construction features, comprehensive notes, a bibliography, map, and chronology. A fascinating look at clothing and its strategic role in the politics of conquest, this book is an invaluable resource for scholars and collectors alike.