In the misty mountains and emerald valleys of southwest China lies Yunnan – a province home to more ethnic groups than any other in the country. Here, twenty-six distinct peoples have woven a living tapestry of culture, history, and identity, thread by colorful thread.

The Clothes and Ornaments of Yunnan Ethnic Groups is a landmark visual and scholarly documentation of this extraordinary heritage. Compiled through extensive field research by editors Cheng Zhifang and Li Antai, and brought to life through the lens of master photographers like Li Yuebo, this book offers an unprecedented journey into the clothing and ornaments of Yunnan’s diverse communities.

More than just a catalog of garments, this volume explores the very soul of each ethnic group:

• The intricate silver headdresses of the Miao, telling stories of ancient migrations.

• The vibrant, pleated skirts of the Hani and Yi, echoing the colors of rice terraces and mountain sunsets.

• The handwoven hemp and indigo-dyed fabrics of the Yao, preserving centuries-old techniques.

• The exquisite accessories – belts, earrings, breastplates, and embroidered pouches – each piece a silent language of status, marriage, and belief.

With over 300 pages of rich color photographs, The Clothes and Ornaments of Yunnan Ethnic Groups is not only an essential reference for ethnologists, fashion designers, and historians – it is a celebration of human creativity and resilience. 

Fully illustrated with color photos, text in Chinese.