Problems in the history of Chinese bindings

Abstract

THE origins and development of different binding formats form a subject of importance amongst the many aspects of the history of the Chinese book that require further research. In 1986, I published an article on the distinctions between jingzhe ['pleated sutra' or accordion binding with the first and last pages pasted onto outer boards], the 'whirlwind' binding and the 'Sanskrit' [or pothi type binding], in order to clarify the forms and dispel errors. While in London in September of that year I examined some of the manuscripts found in the cave at Dunhuang, in China, currently held in the British Library, and as I looked at them, saw that they provided further valuable evidence for the study of the evolution of the different types of Chinese bindings.