Description

The first illustrated English-language book dedicated to Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han people of China, this publication was conceived and created by the Northern California Hanfu Association to present a comprehensive history of Hanfu’s evolution.

Richly illustrated, it features reconstructed and photographed outfits spanning 2,000 years from the Zhou to the Ming dynasty, representing people from across society-emperors, scholars, gentlewomen, commoners, children, and soldiers. Beyond familiar silk and cotton, it also introduces practical attire made of bamboo and palm leaves, such as rain capes and workwear, revealing the functional, environmental, and cultural dimensions of early clothing.

Each outfit is based on careful research supported by archaeological finds, paintings, and texts. Related artifact photos accompany the costumes, allowing readers to appreciate both their beauty and historical context. The book also explores cultural exchange: Central Asian-influenced Tang fashions, Mongol elements in Yuan women’s dress, and the Ming “yisā” robe reflecting steppe tailoring, showing how interaction enriched Hanfu over centuries.

This volume serves readers interested in Chinese dress history, culture, historical fashion, anthropology, and East Asian studies. It is also a valuable reference for museums, libraries, and educational programs. By offering an accessible, engaging window into Hanfu, it contributes to the global conversation on heritage, identity, and cultural diversity.

作为第一本专门用英文介绍汉服的图文书籍，本书由北加州汉服社策划创作，系统展示了汉服的发展历程。

全书图文并茂，复原并拍摄了自东周至明代2000年间的服饰，涵盖帝王、士人、妇女、平民、儿童、军士等各阶层。除丝绸、棉布外，还介绍以竹、棕叶等材质制成的雨具与劳作服饰，呈现古代衣物的功能性与文化性。

每套服饰均依据考古出土、古画和文献精心考证，并配有相关文物图像，使读者在欣赏之余更理解其历史背景与文化意涵。书中亦探讨汉服与外族文化的互动：如唐代胡服风尚、元代女装中的蒙古元素、明代融合北族袍制的”弋撒”，展现汉服在交流中不断吸收与演化。

本书适合对中华服饰史、传统文化、服装史、人类学和东亚研究有兴趣的读者，也可作为博物馆、图书馆及教育机构的参考资料。通过本书，我们希望为不同背景的读者提供理解汉服与中华文明的窗口，并为当代多元文化交流贡献力量。

服饰文化（Dress Culture）

HANFU – A Visual Primer of Historical Han Chinese Attire