Ladder to the Clouds: Intrigue and Tradition in Chinese Rank

by David Hugus and Beverley Jackson

Book Overview

NOW IN PAPERBACK For 13 centuries, throughout China male recruits studied diligently for a long series of grueling examinations in hopes of achieving the civil rank that would enable them to serve the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1580081274
• ISBN13: 9781580081276
• Release Date: February 2000
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 3.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 10.3" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

beautiful!

This book is one you can open up at any time, and feel it's beauty. The photographs and the descriptions of the symbolism of each image are exceptional. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Chinese symbolism, textiles, history.

Great Introduction to Mandarin Squares and Chinese Culture

I love this book! The two different parts of this book really works. In Part One, written by Beverley Jackson is an interesting look at Chinese culture and the journey to the mandarin squares. The fictional story of two boys and their different journeys brings the mandarin squares to life. The studying and sacrifices involved in order to wear the mandarin square are staggering. It heightens the appreciation of the squares themselves in Part Two.In Part Two, David Hugus does an excellent job in dissecting and then explaining the elements making up the squares. Beyond the intellectual and technical issues, Hugus also discusses mandarin squares in the marketplace.The two authors obviously have a great love and interest in the mandarin squares and the Chinese culture. I recommend this book highly.

Exceptionally beautiful

This is an exceptionally beautiful and interesting book. Even though I had no prior interest in chinese textiles I was quickly drawn in by the stunning photographs and the helpful essays. The book makes a great gift for anyone interested in Asian art or textiles in general!

Ladder to the Clouds

This book is a must for anyone interested in Asian art and, in particular, the Chinese rank system and the textiles associated with it. I expect this book to become THE reference book on the subject. I highly recommend it to all those dealing in antique Chinese objects and museums specializing in Asian art. It is obvious to me that both authors have not only throughly researched their topics but also are impassioned by them.

The History of the Mandarin Squares

This is the best and most complete book available on Mandarin Squares. A must read for the collector of these badges.The text is extremely informative and the most comprehensive on the subject. It has well over 100 beautiful pictures of many examples of the nine civil and nine military rank badges. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Chinese Textiles especially in the intricate embroidered Mandarin Squares and learn about their history.