China: Through the Looking Glass

With nearly every major exhibition that opens at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York these days, we are being blessed with the simultaneous publication of impressive catalogues. And such is the case with the Costume Institute show titled "China Through the Looking Glass: Fashion, Film, Art" that debuted in early May. The show examines the influence of Chinese aesthetics in general and clothing in particular on western counterparts and, in turn, western notions and re-imagined representations of the Central Kingdom.The 256-page catalogue that accompanies the exhibition is a masterpiece itself, as becomes clear from the outset with covers that replicate both the look and texture of a classic red-and-gold Chinese brocade and pages that are folded in on themselves in the traditional Chinese manner. The recent New York Times review of the exhibition focused on its sponsorship by MMA's Costume Instituteand the beauty of the clothes on display. The catalogue, however, offers a broader perspective, as experts were engaged to write chapters on subjects like "Toward an Aesthetic of Surfaces," "Imagery of Chinese Dress," "Cinema's Virtual Chinas," "Emperor to Citizen," and "Empire of Signs." The concluding chapter, meanwhile, presents a conversation between the couturier John Galliano with the Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton.The Chinese gowns pictured in the catalogue, especially recent couture, will be quite a revelation for the western reader and museum-goer, and the catalogue documents that there is much to celebrate in the dynamic between the West and East. To take but one example, consider the manner in which designers from both have represented the vocabulary of Chinese blue-and-white porcelains. In the early and mid-20th century, the Western designer was likely to have produced a blue-and-white dress of a simplified toile-like fabric. However, some Western designers have now joined their Chinese counterparts in producing innovative gowns that take even their shape from complete ceramics.

I was fortunate enough to have seen this exhibit; however, I did not have ample time to really savor the experience. I am thrilled I can relive my visit via this breathtaking book.The few pictures I was able to take pale in comparison to those in this book. The book is thoughtfully organized and I was especially impressed with the coverage of Chinese influence on cinema epitomized by the alluring Anna May Wong. It was a treat seeing a dress she actually wore in one of her films and it is gracefully represented in the book.The book itself is a stand-out production with a shimmery red and gold cover, vellum inserts and images which are not printed back-to-back so each image stands alone with no shadow of the image on the opposite page. There is a blank side on each image. Well done!Those who treasure art, fashion, Chinese history and culture, film and graphic design will want to add this book to their library.

You will need a moment just to absorb the luxurious cover of this book. You will be blown away by the beauty this book contains. I am not at all happy with Amazon pressuring me to join Prime by delaying arrival times. Prime is another way of nickeling and diming us to death. Does Jeff want to own the world?

Wow! Wish I could have seen the accompanying exhibition --what a treat that would be. This book is the next best thing, however. Gorgeous photos that had me (practically) drooling from page to page. If someone (maybe you, perhaps?) loves costumes and/or all things Chinese, this book makes an amazing gift. Expensive but well worth it!

very good reference and well printed and bound

a sumptuous book that is lavishly illustrated with photos that are both evocative and encylopedic of asian influences in art, culture and fashion. detailed, superbly executed and a must for any fashion junkie, sinophile or beauty addict! worth EVERY penny and then some! bravo!

I bought this exhibit catalog after seeing "The First Monday in May". I am terminally envious of all of you who got to see the actual exhibit. How totally extraordinary it looks! Magic.

This book is beautiful . That year was the best year for the met ball.

Gorgeous!!

The hardcover is made of embroidery silk featuring chinoiserie motives. Inside, all the images are exquisite. Definitely a book to cherish in the fashion category! Thank you MET & Andrew Bolton to present the grand theme to the world!

Precioso catálogo de una de las exposiciones más alucinantes que he visto jamás. Además no es una simple relación de piezas, las imágenes tienen una dirección de arte impecable y los textos son muy interesantes.Vale la pena!

Beautiful photographs of artifacts and fashion tied in with tv programme First Monday in May. Detailed history of the Chinese influence on fashion and social history

Good price, gréât service!