Ornamental patterns from ancient Chinese textiles. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The series is authoritative and replete with explanations on the origin of silk pieces as well as anecdotes.

The editors say: "It shows the beauty of ancient silk design based on restoration through modern technologies and professional interpretation of first-class experts, and presents traditional Chinese crafts such as weaving, printing, dyeing and embroidery."

The 10 volumes also deal with silk from dynasties stretching from the Han (206 BC-AD 24) to the Yuan (1271-1368) embroidered accessories, mounting silk (like in mounting a picture, framing something, or binding a book), ethnic clothing, monochrome woven silks, polychrome silks, velvets and carpets and painted images.