China has a long history of thousands of years. Its culture has been developed through ages of invention, absorption, assimilation and accumulation. To help foreigners in Taiwan gain a better understanding of the development of Chinese culture, the Sino-American Technical Cooperation Association held a "Chinese Historical Costume and Folk Dances Show" June 30 at the Taipei City Auditorium. Combining historical costumes with the Chinese sages, heroes and beauties, this show introduced the evolution of the five thousand-year-old culture in an easy, entertaining way.
According to historical records, Lei Tse, wife of the Yellow Emperor, discovered the art of weaving cloth from the silk of silkworm cocoons 4,600 years ago. Later, clothes were made of such fabrics as silk, linen and cotton. Clothes were used to keep the body warm, and also symbols of propriety and political ranks. The appearance of the lady's robe in the Warring States Period characterizes China's traditional costume. It might be called the predecessor of today's chi pao. In 700 A.D., the reputation of the Tang, dynasty was at its height. Cosmopolitanism had brought great changes in color and style to Tang costumes. In the Sung and Ming dynasties, the costumes became simple and plain. After the establishment of the Republic, there came a Feng Sien fashion. Since the completion of the Northern Expedition in 1928, long gowns and chipaos have become the typical costume of our country.
Typical long robe of the Warring States Period.
Su Tung-po's "Shen I' of the Sung dynasty.
Confucius sought knowledge from Lao-tse.
Liang Hung-yu of the Sung dynasty.
“Colorful and Feathered Dress Dance” of the Tang dynasty.
Hsiao Chou-hou (empress) of the Tang dynasty.
The Banquet Dance of the Ching dynasty.
Old-fashioned wedding dresses.