Explore the V&A’s world renowned and extensive collections of Chinese and Japanese textiles. Look in detail at decorative textiles dating from the Ming (1368–1644) to the Qing (1644–1911) dynasty and spectacular pieces including ceremonial court robes and armour. In the first half of the course, consider the Han and Manchu non-court dress, investigate customs such as foot binding,and study the complex symbolism that informed decorative images of birds, beasts, flowers and animals. In the second half,look at the history of Japanese textiles and dress and examine court robes of the Heian (794–1185) and Meji (1868–1912) periods, woven actors’ robes, the highly decorative kimonos of the Edo period (1600–1868), and the working clothes of rural Japan. Examine techniques used in the production of Japanese textiles during the seventeenth century and compare these with the contemporary production of textiles including costumes for the fashion and film industry.