Four Branches of Embroidery in China

Suzhou silk embroidery , also called Suxiu, originated during the Northern Song Dynasty. According to historical records, Suzhou Embroidery became so popular during the Song Dynasty that people even named roads using words associated with silk and its embroidery. Nearly every family raised silkworms and embroidered. Suzhou Embroidery reached its peak during the Qing Dynasty. It has a wide range of themes. Its techniques include both single faced embroidery and unique double-faced embroidery that looks the same from either side. Basic features of Suxiu are simple composition, clear theme, vivid image, and gentle color. In recent times, Suxiu design has absorbed some western painting techniques.

Yue Silk Embroidery

Yue Silk Embroidery, also called Yuexiu, is also called Cantonese because it is produced in Guangdong province. It is said that Yuexiu originated among a minority people during the middle to end of the Ming Dynasty. A variety of threat materials is used, including twisted peacock quill and hair from horse tails. Gold thread is used to establish contours for embroidering complicated patterns. Bright in color, Yuexiu usually displays such themes as A Hundred Birds Displaying Homage, the Chinese phoenix, marine products, or melons.

Xiang Silk Embroidery

Hunan's local embroidery had a long history before the development of Xiang Silk Embroidery, also called Xiangxiu. Archeologists have discovered finely embroidered silk items in tombs of the Chu and Han dynasties, which were both more than 2,000 years ago. The embroidery that we now call Xiang came into being during the latter part of the Qing Dynasty. Xiangxiu combined the styles of both Suxiu and Yuexiu with the local embroidery style. Xiangxiu is famous for its tiger patterns. Xiangxiu's unique techniques are generally based on Chinese painting, although it also includes techniques of engraving, calligraphy, and embroidery. This combination of techniques produced a new and unique embroidery product, double-faced and with different images and colors on each side of a transparent chiffon.

Shu Silk Embroidery

Shu Silk Embroidery, also called Shuxiu, is also called Chuan embroidery because it is mostly produced around Chengdu, Sichuan province. Sichuan embroidery had a long history that developed into today's Shu style during the middle of the Qing Dynasty. The main themes of Shuxiu are those of auspicious happiness. Embroidered products include mirror curtains, wedding dresses, hats, and shoes. The themes are usually the animals and plants of nature. Shu embroiderers are especially adept at embroidering pandas and fish. The materials used for Shuxiu are locally-produced soft satin and colorful threads. Shuxiu is characterized by even stitches, bright threads, closeness and softness of texture, and delicate needling. The threads are neatly and thickly used. Colors are elaborately arranged.