The Language of Adornment: Chinese Ornaments of Jade Crystal Amber and Glass from the Neolithic Period to the Qing Dynasty

About this book

From the very earliest manifestations of civilization in China in the late Neolithic period a strictly organized political and social hierarchy was in place. Within such a society the position of individuals was defined through social codes and regulations both written and unwritten. Chinese civilization thus provides an excellent opportunity to examine how personal ornaments functioned as symbols that identified social and cultural status through the materials used and the decorative motifs chosen. The decoration is in fact a language to be seen read and interpreted. In THE LANGUAGE OF ADORNMENT Myrna and Samuel Myers?s collection of Chinese personal ornaments is presented and explored in stunning full-color plates. A catalog of Chinese adornments from the collection of Myrna and Samuel Myers. Includes full-page color plates of all the pieces.