Here Are 20 Chinese Embroidery Works By Women Artists From Rural Communities That I Discovered

Traditionally crafted on silk, the art of Chinese embroidery has a history of 2,500 years and is renowned for its painterly artistry, sophisticated craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and double-sided technique. Various vibrantly colored silk threads are used to create a chromatic, nuanced, and luminous effect. Because the silk thread is fine and smooth, tightly stitched embroidery is necessary and also allows thread ends to be concealed under layers of stitch work.

This results in an embroidered piece that is flat, smooth, and most importantly, double-sided. The shimmering appearance of the embroidery is due to the triangular prism-like structure of the silk threads. It refracts incoming light at different angles and thus radiates a mesmerizing iridescent shine.

The designs in Chinese embroidery are rooted in time-honored symbolic significance. Motifs, inspired by the natural environment of ancient China, serve as symbols of good fortune in Chinese spiritual and mythical beliefs because of the element’s intrinsic characteristics and/or literary significance in the Chinese language. Popular features include lotus, plum blossom, peony, bamboo, pine, fish, lakes, mountains, etc.

I hope that by promoting the traditional art of Chinese embroidery, I can support the women embroiderers and keep their heritage alive.