art Embroidery

China is the first country in the world that discovered the use of silk. Silkworms were domesticated as early as 5000 years ago. The production of silk thread and fabrics gave rise to the art of embroidery. Historical documents record the use of embroidery in China as early as 2255 B.C. Archaeological finds, however, place the beginnings of embroidery at some point during the Shang dynasty(1766B.C.-1122 B.C.)

The Embroidery art became widespread in the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-221A.D.) because of its economic prosperity. Because the number of rich and privileged people increased, the demand for Embroidery is strongly needed. With a strong supply of raw materials and robust market demand, embroidery flourished.

Embroidery was used for more than just decorating clothes or other purpose. Chinese Buddhists chose embroidery, which was a symbol of honor and diligence, as their favorite media for portraying Buddhist imagery. Large in size and scope, the colossal works of "Buddhists embroidery" were in great demand during the Tang dynasty (618-907 A.D.)

In the Tang dynasty, Embroidery art had risen to another level- the development of new embroidery stitches. Prior to the Tang dynasty, the chain stitch was the only way commonly used in embroidery. In the Tang, the satin stitch was invented and replaced the chain stitch. The satin stitch has been popular with embroiderers ever since because different stitching styles and new artful patterns are created.

In the Sung dynasty (960-1280), the Embroidery art was even more successful than before. First, the satin stitch was permutable and many other new stitches were derived from it. Second, tools and materials used in embroidery were greatly improved during the Sung dynasty. Third, the art of embroidery completely merged with the art of painting. Embroiderers would actually stitch duplicates of paintings by noted painters.

Ming (1368-1644) embroidery has three major distinctive features. First, embroidery was very popular and was used extensively by people of different social classes for a wide variety of purposes. Second, the quality of embroidery for practical uses was greatly improved as embroidery materials were refined and embroidering techniques matured. Third, embroiderers used materials other than silk such as hair embroidery, flannel embroidery, lace embroidery and gold embroidery.

Embroidery has maintained and flourished throughout the twenty century.

Today, silk embroidery is practiced all over China. The best commercial product comes from four provinces: Jiangsu, Hunan, Sichuan and Guangdong. Moreover, embroidery combines the essence of painting and calligraphy and presents traditional Chinese culture through the colorful threads of the skilled embroiderer.