Nankeen Collection

Nankeen, a word that encompasses history, culture, and nature

Nankeen Collection: Nankeen Trousers 1818

Nankeen Trousers 1818
Pink striped waistcoat, blue tight fitting double-breasted coat with hip pocket, velvet collar, narrow tails & padded shoulders & top hat, nankeen trousers & black pumps

Nankeen Collection: Yellow Japan lily, Lilium testaceum

Yellow Japan lily, Lilium testaceum. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by G. Barclay after Miss Sarah Drake from John Lindley and Robert Sweets Ornamental Flower Garden and Shrubbery, G

Nankeen Collection: Chinese man bowing cotton, Qing Dynasty

Chinese man bowing cotton, Qing Dynasty
Chinese man bowing cotton to remove husks, Qing Dynasty. He uses a bamboo frame to bow the cotton to remove dirt from the cotton down

Nankeen Collection: CHINA: CLOTH-MAKING, c1906. The process of separating the threads of cotton in

CHINA: CLOTH-MAKING, c1906. The process of separating the threads of cotton in preparation for weaving Nankeen cloth, Nanking, China. Stereograph, c1906

Nankeen Collection: CHINA: CLOTH-MAKING, c1906. Workers preparing the warp for the manufacturing of

CHINA: CLOTH-MAKING, c1906. Workers preparing the warp for the manufacturing of Nankeen cotton cloth, Nanking, China. Stereograph, c1906

Nankeen Collection: Rufous Night-heron (Nycticorax caledonicus) juvenile, with beak open

Rufous Night-heron (Nycticorax caledonicus) juvenile, with beak open, perched on branch over water, Kakadu, Northern Territory, Australia, september

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Nankeen, a word that encompasses history, culture, and nature. It first gained popularity in 1818 with the introduction Trousers, a fashion trend that swept through Europe. But its roots go much deeper than just clothing. In China during the Qing Dynasty, skilled craftsmen would bow cotton to create this unique fabric. The process involved separating threads meticulously by hand, resulting in a durable and distinctive textile. This artistry can still be witnessed today in historical photographs from c1906 showcasing workers preparing the warp for manufacturing. The name "nankeen" also extends beyond textiles to encompass natural beauty. The Yellow Japan lily or Lilium testaceum is often referred to as nankeen due to its vibrant yellow petals resembling the color of this iconic fabric. Its delicate blooms bring joy and elegance wherever they grow. Speaking of elegance, have you ever seen a Rufous Night-heron? These majestic birds are known for their striking appearance and gracefulness. From Melbourne's city lights reflecting on water at night to perching on branches over Queensland's serene waters or standing at the edge of Kakadu National Park's rivers - these herons captivate with their presence. Just like nankeen itself, these herons embody resilience and adaptability as they navigate different environments throughout Australia. Whether it's an adult male standing proudly or a juvenile with its beak wide open in anticipation, each moment captured showcases the beauty of nature intertwined with human history. So next time you hear the word "nankeen, " remember its multifaceted meaning - from trousers that revolutionized fashion to centuries-old cloth-making techniques in China; from vibrant flowers reminiscent of golden hues to magnificent herons gracing our landscapes. Nankeen truly encapsulates a tapestry woven together by tradition, craftsmanship, and natural wonders.