From the very earliest manifestations of civilization in China in the late Neolithic period, a strictly organized political and social hierarchy was in place. Within such a society, the position of individuals was defined through social codes and regulations, both written and unwritten. Chinese civilization thus provides an excellent opportunity to examine how personal ornaments functioned as symbols that identified social and cultural status through the materials used and the decorative motifs chosen. The decoration is, in fact, a language to be seen, read, and interpreted. In THE LANGUAGE OF ADORNMENT, Myrna and Samuel Myers'¬?s collection of Chinese personal ornaments is presented and explored in stunning, full-color plates. A catalog of Chinese adornments from the collection of Myrna and Samuel Myers. Includes full-page color plates of all the pieces.