Delve into the origins and development of Chinese silk to understand its history, cultural heritage, and place in modern China.
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Duration
3 weeksWeekly study
3 hours100% online
How it works
The History and Culture of Chinese Silk
Unpack sericulture and silk craftsmanship in China
As one of the origins of textile culture, China is characterised by silk. The unique sericulture and silk craftsmanship from China is firmly embedded in its cultural heritage. In modern China, silk is not only a fibre material, but also permeates art, culture, economy, and even politics.
On this three-week course, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the silk culture and art that characterises China from a material culture perspective.
You’ll unpack the origins and legends of Chinese silk as you discover exciting archaeological finds and explore Chinese history.
Gain an introduction to the silk road
From the second century BCE, the silk road was a network of routes active for more than 1,500 years.
You’ll explore the silk routes on the road to understand the full scale of this important trade route and how it impacted the Chinese economy.
Explore silk weaving and patterns
Next, you’ll delve into the evolution and development of silk weaving techniques.
You’ll also discover the characteristics of ancient Chinese silk patterns from different dynasties through the years to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese history.
Learn from the experts at the University for the Creative Arts
Throughout the course, you’ll be guided by the specialists at the University for the Creative Arts.
With their expertise, you’ll finish with in-depth knowledge of Chinese silk, its history, and its importance in Chinese culture.
Syllabus
Week 1
Getting started
Welcome to the course
Silk is an important part of traditional Chinese culture. Understanding the history and culture of Chinese silk will enable students to gain a deeper understanding of contemporary Chinese identity in art and culture.
The origin of the Chinese silk
Reasons for the origin of silk in China, archaeological evidence and silk-related legends and cultural traditions.
Summary of Week 1
This week we have been learning about the origins of silk, so let's recap what we have learnt.
Week 2
Chinese silk road
Introduction to the Silk Road and how it spread
Methods and routes of spread along the Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road.
Maritime Silk Road
Overview of the Maritime Silk Road from China.
Grassland Silk Road
Introduction of grassland silk road.
Summary of Week 2
This week we have been learning about the Silk Road on the Road and the Silk Road on the Sea. Let's take a look back at what countries were involved in the Silk Road.
Week 3
The development of silk patterns and changes in weaving techniques
The evolution and development of silk weaving techniques
An overview of the development of silk weaving techniques and an introduction to the three most famous Chinese brocades: Shu brocade, Song brocade and Yun brocade.
Characteristics of Ancient Chinese Silk Patterns (Part I)
Characteristics of Silk Patterns in the Spring and Autumn, Qin and Han dynasties.
Characteristics of Ancient Chinese Silk Patterns (Part II)
Characteristics of silk patterns in the Tang and Song dynasties.
Characteristics of Ancient Chinese Silk Patterns (Part III)
Characteristics of silk patterns in the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
Summary of Week 3
This week we have studied the characteristics of Chinese silk patterns at different stages of history, so let's review what we have learnt and try to find traces of these traditional patterns in modern clothing.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Develop an in-depth understanding of Chinese silk culture.
- Classify the artistic features of silk patterns from different dynasties.
- Describe the Silk Road.
- Summarise the development of silk weaving techniques.
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for anyone interested in Chinese silk, silk history and culture, and the evolution of textile techniques in different historical periods.
It will be particularly useful for textile students.
Who will you learn with?
Who developed the course?
Established
2008
Ways to learn | Buy this course | Subscribe & save | Limited access |
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Choose the best way to learn for you! | $54/one-off payment | $244.99 for a whole year Automatically renews | Free |
Fulfill your current learning need | Develop skills to further your career | Sample the course materials | |
Access to this course | tick | tick | Access expires 25 Feb 2025 |
Access to 1,000+ courses | cross | tick | cross |
Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
Certificate when you're eligible | Printed and digital | Digital only | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Subscribe & save
$244.99 for a whole year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Buy this course
$54/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Limited access
Free
Sample the course materials
- Access expires 25 Feb 2025
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply. |
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.
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