A sketch of a Chinese comedian performing his part before the the British Ambassador, December 19, 1793, at Canton.
Category: Asia
Costume and fashion history of Asia. Manners and Customs. Collected from rare sources.
Nashik in India is one of the most sacred of Hindu towns.
Through this city flows the sacred river, Godavari, second in sanctity only to the Ganges itself.

Auguste Racinet. The Costume History by Françoise Tétart-Vittu.
Racinet's Costume History is an invaluable reference for students, designers, artists, illustrators, and historians; and a rich source of inspiration for anyone with an interest in clothing and style. Originally published in France between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinet’s Le Costume historique was in its day the most wide-ranging and incisive study of clothing ever attempted.
Covering the world history of costume, dress, and style from antiquity through to the end of the 19th century, the six volume work remains completely unique in its scope and detail. “Some books just scream out to be bought; this is one of them.” ― Vogue.com

India Mogul aristocracy. The costume of ancient Mogul emperors.
The two figures shown here are of the Mogul aristocracy. Both men wear as their essential garment a peculiarly tailored coat called the “cabays”.

Textilepedia. The Complete Fabric Guide.
The Textile Manual is an encyclopaedia of textile information, from material to yarn, from fabric structure to the finishing process. Encompassing practical tips for a range of textiles and detailed visuals, this ultra-accessible manual is the perfect companion for fashion aficionados and aspiring fashion designers.
The traveling barge of Van-ta-zhin. Drawn by William Alexander, 1805.
The travelling Barge, of the Mandarin Van-tazhin, who attended the Embassy.
Literature
Couture: then and now Clothes define people. A person's clothing, whether it's a sari, kimono, or business suit, is an essential key to his or her culture, class, personality, or even religion. The Kyoto Costume Institute recognizes the importance of understanding clothing sociologically, historically, and artistically.
The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World Paperback – December 7, 2021
by Virginia Postrel (Author)
From Neanderthal string to 3D knitting, an “expansive” global history that highlights “how textiles truly changed the world” (Wall Street Journal)
Specimens of Turkish embroidery. The silk goods of Turkey.
Sir Matthew Digby Wyatt (1820-1877) – Specimens of Turkish Embroidery – from the Industrial Arts of the Nineteenth Century (1851-1853).
Ojira, To Her Lover, poem from The Garden of Kama.
Ojira, To Her Lover, poem from The Garden of Kama and other love lyrics from India

Fashionpedia - The Visual Dictionary Of Fashion Design
FASHIONPEDIA is a visual fashion dictionary covering all the technical terms from style to material to production with illustrations and infographics. It encompasses rich, extensive information and yet is easy to read. Whether you are an industry insider or a fashion connoisseur, FASHIONPEDIA is all you will ever need to navigate the fashion scene.
Persian Shah Abbas or Ispahan Carpet in Vase design of the 17th century.
Among the few entire carpets of its kind known to exist is this vase design from South Persia, known by the names “Shah Abbas” and “Ispahan.”
A military Mandarine (or Nobleman) of China. Portrait of Van-ta-zhin 1805.
His boots are of satin, with thick soles of paper: these are always worn by the mandarines and superior Chinese.
Yerebatan Serail – The Subterranean Palace. Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Constantinople and its environs. The “Subterranean Palace” still remains a cistern filled with water.
Hindu Prayer-Carpet manufactured at Ahmedabad.
The Prayer-Carpet forming our present illustration, manufactured at Ahmedabad, was chosen for the Museum of Ornamental Art as one of the most faultless of these Indian productions.

Auguste Racinet. The Costume History by Françoise Tétart-Vittu.
Racinet's Costume History is an invaluable reference for students, designers, artists, illustrators, and historians; and a rich source of inspiration for anyone with an interest in clothing and style. Originally published in France between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinet’s Le Costume historique was in its day the most wide-ranging and incisive study of clothing ever attempted.
Covering the world history of costume, dress, and style from antiquity through to the end of the 19th century, the six volume work remains completely unique in its scope and detail. “Some books just scream out to be bought; this is one of them.” ― Vogue.com

The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World Paperback – December 7, 2021
by Virginia Postrel (Author)
From Neanderthal string to 3D knitting, an “expansive” global history that highlights “how textiles truly changed the world” (Wall Street Journal)

Fashionpedia - The Visual Dictionary Of Fashion Design
FASHIONPEDIA is a visual fashion dictionary covering all the technical terms from style to material to production with illustrations and infographics. It encompasses rich, extensive information and yet is easy to read. Whether you are an industry insider or a fashion connoisseur, FASHIONPEDIA is all you will ever need to navigate the fashion scene.

Textilepedia. The Complete Fabric Guide.
The Textile Manual is an encyclopaedia of textile information, from material to yarn, from fabric structure to the finishing process. Encompassing practical tips for a range of textiles and detailed visuals, this ultra-accessible manual is the perfect companion for fashion aficionados and aspiring fashion designers.