Ladder to the clouds : intrigue and tradition in Chinese rank / Beverley Jackson and David Hugus.

Includes bibliographical references (page 300) and index.

Part One -- Author's preface -- Tradition dictates all in the life of a child -- City life and the spirit world -- Kites soar along with hopes for the future -- Climbing the ladder to the clouds -- One ascends the ladder, one falls -- Bibliography -- Part Two -- An introduction to Mandarin squares -- Ming summary -- Other rank badges -- Examinations -- Ch'ing introduction -- Sun disk -- Identifying birds -- Identifying animals -- Chinese symbology -- Evolution of Ch'ing dynasty squares -- Deceptive and nobles' badges -- Bibliography -- Index.

Ladder to the clouds is the first comprehensive book on the intriguing and little known subject of Chinese service rankings. It is a fascinating exploration of Chinese customs and rituals, many of which are still practiced in China today. It also offers a thorough analysis of the symbols, styles, and techniques used in mandarin rank squares, along with the most complete information for their identification to date.

Keyword: mandarin square (Buzi 補子), also known as a rank badge

Splendid slippers : a thousand years of an erotic tradition / Beverley Jackson.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 178-180) and index.

"This volume is an extraordinary exploration of footbinding that encompasses Chinese art and mythology, social and political history, and truly exotic eroticism. The author's vast collection of historical and contemporary photographs, plus 40 full-color "portraits" of her most prized slippers, creates a uniquely poignant and evocative panorama."--Publishers note.

The treasure was her tiny feet. -- The three-inch golden lily. -- Splendid slippers for lotus feet. -- Gilding the lily. -- Spinning cloud silk for the gods. -- A night at the opera. -- Sex and the bound-footed girl. -- Sacrifice at the altar of beauty. -- The end of an era. -- One door closes, another door opens.