Li Brocade Masterpieces: The Art of Dragon Quilts offers a comprehensive exploration of the legendary Dragon Quilts (龙被) woven by the Li people of Hainan. Compiled by researcher Cai Yuliang, this work presents these ceremonial textiles as both artistic marvels and cultural documents, showcasing their intricate patterns, technical sophistication, and profound symbolic meanings.

Traditionally crafted by Li women, Dragon Quilts feature complex motifs including dragons, phoenixes, and cosmological symbols, embodying spiritual beliefs and social values. Used in weddings, rituals, and funerals, they represent a bridge between the human and divine. This volume systematically examines their evolution, weaving techniques, and dyeing processes, placing them within the broader context of Li brocade—a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage.

Richly illustrated with high-quality color plates, the book brings together masterpieces from museums and collections, many published here for the first time. Detailed analysis reveals the stories embedded in each pattern, while comparative studies trace stylistic influences across periods and regions. The accompanying trilingual commentary (Chinese, English, and Tibetan) makes this heritage accessible to a global audience.

An indispensable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of textile art and Chinese minority cultures, this book preserves a fading legacy and celebrates the enduring creativity of the Li people—ensuring that the vibrant art of the Dragon Quilt continues to inspire future generations.

Fully illustrated in color photos, text in Chinese.

2003, Hainan Publishing House, hardcover, 129 pp., as new.