Chinese embroidery is one of the world's oldest art forms. Even though archaeological evidence suggest artist started producing this work in the Zhou dynasty, some people believe it first appeared much earlier than that. The Ming dynasty is the period that saw the most development of this art. For hundreds of years, merchants have been transporting beautiful Chinese embroidery work to every corner of the world. When shopping in Beijing, remember to check out the exquisite work in the many embroidery shops around town.
Admire a piece of Chinese embroidery, and you can discover that its gorgeous details remind you of a beautiful woman: its elegance, grace, and depth all make you think of a cultured person in China's past. This is one reason needlework in China is called "Nu Hong," or "Lady's Red."
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 is produced in areas around Changsha, Hunan province. Some people regard this style as equal to Chinese ink and wash paintings. The inner beauty of things, not just their outside appearances, is vividly captured on the work. This is achieved by an excellent use of light and shadow which creates a three-dimensional effect. The use of space and solid imagery is also a classic feature of Chinese paintings. As a famous saying goes, a Xiang embroidery work can make "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 your embroidery in a good condition for a long time, put it in a spot that is well ventilated and protected from sunlight. When shopping in Beijing, you'll find yourself better off being helped by an expert or a personal shopping assistant to find for the best embroidery products.
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 is produced in areas around Changsha, Hunan province. Some people regard this style as equal to Chinese ink and wash paintings. The inner beauty of things, not just their outside appearances, is vividly captured on the work. This is achieved by an excellent use of light and shadow which creates a three-dimensional effect. The use of space and solid imagery is also a classic feature of Chinese paintings. As a famous saying goes, a Xiang embroidery work can make "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.
To keep your embroidery in a good condition for a long time, put it in a spot that is well ventilated and protected from sunlight. When shopping in Beijing, you'll find yourself better off being helped by an expert or a personal shopping assistant to find for the best embroidery products.
About the Author:
Author A. Lao has studied Chinese culture and history for years. He now works with a Personal Shopper in Beijing who brings visitors to great Chinese shops. Sometimes he plans shopping trips in Beijing.
I am a native of Sichuan province in China and i appreciate Shu Embroidery handmade gift. For it, i recommend online store JatSew.
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