Book #243

Zhen Xian Bao, Pattern Book

I have made another Zhen Xian Bao (Chinese Thread Book) for today. This one is quite different than the first one that I showed (Book 204). This one has added pages and is bound along the spine using a typical 5-hole stab sewing, reinforced with a split dowel. Ruth Smith refers to this type of Zhen Xian Bao as a Pattern Book. There are eight folded pages in this book and they would be used as large pockets to hold patterns or other pieces of paper or fabric that are too big for the little boxes. The centre spread is built up with layers of boxes similar to the first book that I showed. Traditionally, the pages and all the boxes were elaborately and colourfully hand decorated with flowers and geometric patterns. Including the eight folded page pockets, this Zhen Xian Bao has 34 compartments.