Chinese Patchwork by Nancy Berliner

Explore the colorful and inventive tradition of Chinese patchwork, where scraps of fabric become intricate patterns, everyday objects, and meaningful works of art.

In Chinese Patchwork, museum curator Nancy Berliner traces the history of patchwork in China, from its connections to Buddhist traditions nearly 2,000 years ago to its continued use in rural homes today. Once valued for its spiritual and protective qualities, patchwork gradually became a form of domestic decoration and a creative outlet for generations of makers.

The book focuses on 20th- and 21st-century Chinese patchwork, exploring how fabric remnants are transformed into functional, decorative, and auspicious objects for homes and families. Bold geometric patterns, unexpected color combinations, and inventive construction techniques reveal the individuality of the makers and the traditions of their communities.

Through scholarly essays, detailed photographs, and interviews with contemporary makers, Berliner examines the cultural significance of these textiles and the ingenuity behind their construction. Photographs by Lois Conner document the artists, their families, and their work in rural China, offering a closer look at the people and places where these traditions continue.

With its striking examples of patchwork and thoughtful exploration of textile history, Chinese Patchwork is a wonderful resource for quilters, textile artists, collectors, and anyone interested in traditional crafts and the creative possibilities of fabric scraps.

Book Details

• Photography: Lois Conner

• Publisher: MFA Publications, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

• Publication date: December 9, 2025

• Pages: 240

• Dimensions: 9.2" x 11.2" x 1"