Byzantine Silk on the Silk Roads: Journeys between East and West, Past and Present

Byzantine Silk on the Silk Roads explores the eclectic iconography of the Byzantine period and its impact on design and creativity today, with over 200 color illustrations. It reveals the spread of silk embroidery and designs from East to West, and from West to East, from China to Rome, and from Constantinople to Korea. The book also explores the relationship between color and power, material culture and status, and offers broader insight into Byzantine culture, trade, society, and ceremony. It shows how the Byzantine era still influences textile and fashion designers today in their choices of materials and colors, and their utilization of images and patterns.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Byzantine Silk on the Silk Roads is a captivating exploration of the eclectic iconography of the Byzantine period and its profound impact on design and creativity today. With an impressive array of over 200 color illustrations, this comprehensive book delves into the rich tapestry of designs found in Byzantine silks, shedding light on the ever-evolving culture that thrived along the Silk Road.

An international team of experts comes together to unravel the intricate details of these captivating silks, revealing a culture that was characterized by its openness to diverse influences across the vast expanse of the Silk Road. Through a meticulous examination of the extraordinary variety of designs, these experts paint a vivid picture of Byzantine culture as a dynamic and ever-changing entity.

Curators from renowned collections, including the Museum of Arts in Boston, the Smithsonian (Cooper Hewitt), the V&A, and the Vatican, provide insightful commentary that sheds light on the spread of silk embroidery and designs from East to West, as well as from West to East, from China to Rome, and from Constantinople to Korea. Exclusive imagery from worldwide collections within museums, churches, and archives serves as case studies, providing a deeper understanding of the relationship between color, power, material culture, and status in Byzantine society.

The authors employ a unique analytical approach, drawing on exclusive imagery from global museums, churches, and archives as case studies. Their in-depth analysis of these unique woven silks explores the intricate interplay between color, power, material culture, and status, offering a broader perspective on Byzantine culture, trade, society, and ceremony. By examining these woven treasures through a contemporary lens, the book also revisits Byzantine storytelling and image-making, showcasing how these timeless themes continue to influence textile and fashion designers in the 21st century.

Byzantine Silk on the Silk Roads serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Byzantine culture, showcasing its profound influence on design and creativity across centuries. This captivating book offers a valuable resource for designers, artists, and enthusiasts alike, providing a fresh perspective on the rich tapestry of Byzantine history and its lasting impact on the world of fashion and art.

Weight: 1670g
Dimension: 228 x 283 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350103740