China's Embroidery By Andy Lao

Chinese embroidery as a kind of decorative needlework has a history of over 2,000 years. Archaeological findings suggest that the embroidery work started in the Zhou dynasty. In the Ming dynasty, this industry reached its peak. Ancient merchants who came to China through the Silk Route carried beautiful embroideries produced in this country to every corner of the world.

Admiring a piece of embroidery work, one can often imagine an ancient Chinese lady gracefully adding the finishing touches to her elegant design. No surprise needlework in China is referred to as “Nu Hong,” or “Lady’s Red.” In fact, traditional Chinese embroidery is said to bring out the essence of feminine beauty: grace, elegance, and the richness and depth of a beautiful, mysterious inner world.

There are four major styles of Chinese embroidery, each with its distinctive characteristics: Su embroidery, Xiang embroidery, Yue embroidery, and Shu embroidery.

Su embroidery is produced in areas around Suzhou, Jiangsu province. It is the most well-known of all styles, and the most intricate. The works often show animals, natural landscapes, and ancient Chinese gardens. Subtle yet refined colors make the people and animals look especially vivid and lifelike. One famous work shows a cat with bright eyes and smooth, fluffy hair that looks so beautiful and lifelike, a real cat would look dull in comparison.

Xiang embroidery originated in areas around Changsha, Hunan province. Of all styles, this style bears the closest resemblance to Chinese brush painting. You can often appreciate the same kind of void and solid imagery found in a traditional Chinese painting. Its excellent use of contrast of light and shade creates an impressive three-dimensional effect. All of this helps bring out the inner beauty of things. It is said that on a Xiang embroidery work, “Flowers give off fragrance, birds sing songs, tigers run, and figures come alive.”

Yue embroidery is crafted in areas around Chaozhou, Guangdong province. This style is famous for its vivid patterns and vibrant colors. Unlike Xiang embroidery that focuses on bringing out the inner spirits of things, Yue embroidery emphasizes on depicting the outer beauty of objects. On a piece, all the details are closely arranged to contribute meaning to the main theme, with very little space left unworked.

Shu embroidery is made in areas around Chengdu, Sichuan province. In the past, it used to be the most popular embroidery style in all of China. It became famous as early as Eastern Han dynasty. People like it for its delicate colors, even stitching, and sophisticated craftsmanship. Nowadays it is commonly used to decorate everyday items like quilts, pillows, and clothes.

There are other embroidery styles in China, including Gu embroidery, Long embroidery, Xinzhou embroidery, Jinnan embroidery, and a number of ethnic styles used by the different ethnic minority groups living in China.

Generally speaking, there are no “fake” embroidery items on the market, since any style can be used by anyone to create a piece of work. But the quality can still be judged based on the material, the design, and the workmanship.

To keep the embroidery works you buy in good condition, remember to keep it in a dry place where there is sufficient air and not much sunshine.