Embroidery

Commonly known as “xiuhua” (embroidering flowers), embroidery is an art craft performed by using needle and colored thread (silk, cloth with soft nap, and thread) to prick and stitch fabrics including silk, satin, neon, yarn, thin silk, cloth and hemp according to designed patterns, thus forming patterns or characters on the basis of embroidered trace.

This art craft was applied to various costumes early 4000-5000 years ago. An article embroidered with dragon and phoenix patterns made in the Warring States Period was unearthed from the Chu tomb in Changsha. It is the most ancient embroidered article among those being discovered so far and has a history of over 2000 years. According to records in The Book of History, such a rule as “Decoration effects on clothes with embroidery” was prescribed by awarded dress system existing 4000 years ago. In the Qin-Han Period, embroidery and silk were the principal commodities transported on the Silk Road. Moreover, during the long time of feudal empire, embroidered armorial bearings on the gowns worn by the emperor and empress as well as officials of all ranks not only served as decorations, but also symbolized the wearer’s status and ranks. Flower clusters embroidered on clothes of distinguished people are also an embodiment of the exquisite embroidery process.

In the Tang and Song Dynasties, embroidery process was developed from an ordinary technique into an independent art, with which the verves of paintings and handwriting works were represented by bond of colorful threads and superb stitches. There were numerous themes for the reproduction work with embroidery process, such as Chinese paintings of human figures, flowers, birds, pavilions, and landscapes as well as western watercolor, and oil paintings. Embroidered articles became a sort of artwork with strong expressive force in the Ming and Qing Dynasties during which the “Four Major Famous Embroideries” (Embroideries of Suzhou, Guangdong, Hunan and Sichuan) came into being one after another.

Suzhou Embroidery, or Su Xiu, has a history of 2 000 years, Suzhou artists are able to use more than 40 ways of needling and 1 000 different types of threads to make flowers, birds, animals and even gardens on a piece of cloth. Suzhou Embroidery is refined and exquisite .the best-known work is an embroidered cat with bright eyes and fluffy hair, looking vivid and lifelike.

Hunan Embroidery, or Xiang Xiu, has a history of at least 2 000 years as well. Since artists of traditional Chinese painting are involved in designing pictures and patterns, the embroidery in Hunan has an air of traditional Chinese painting. Typical embroidery shows images of lions and tigers that are so vivid that once can feel their ferocity.

Guangdong Embroidery, or Yue Xiu, dates back to at least 1 000 years. It is usually colorful and bright with neat patterns, with a dragon and phoenix predominating among the images. Prominent works are “Hundred Birds Pay Homage to the Phoenix” and “Screen of Nine Dragons”.

Sichuan Embroidery, or Shu Xiu, became known as early as 1 000 years ago. With over a thousand ways of needlework, artists are able to create flowers, birds, fishes and insects, as well as landscapes and human figurines. Its exemplary works are “Hibiscus and Carps” and ‘Rooster and Coxcombs’.

Apart from the above four types, fine embroidery is also made in Beijing, Wenzhou, Shanghai and by the Miao ethnic communities.

Embroidery can be used in many ways. It is often adopted in clothing, quilt covers, pillowcases and bed sheets. It can also be displayed as work of art or used for decorative purpose.