1.Xiang Embroideries break the world record

The two largest Hunan Embroideries in history, the Zhang Jia Jie and Yue Yang Lou, are ready to apply for the world embroidery size record. On January 8th reporters made their way to the manufacturing workshop of Hunan Embroideries Research Institute and looked on as the works neared completion. The Single-faced Zhang Jia Jie, which measures 2.3 by 4.9 meters, and double-faced Yue Yang Lou, which measures 2.05 by 4.25 meters were completed through dedicated work around the clock. The two embroideries broke the size record for their respective patterns.

2. Introduction of Chinese Embroidery and Xiang Embroidery

Embroidery is a traditional and authentic Chinese art that achieved a high level in the early Qin and Han dynasties, and became one of the main products transported along the ancient Chinese Silk Road. Some people consider it to be a kind of painting with needles inseparable from silkworm-raising, silk-reeling and weaving. Interestingly, different styles of embroidery emerged with the adoption of different needling techniques. The four famous Chinese embroidery styles include the Su embroidery of Jiangsu Province, the Yue embroidery of Guangdong Province, the Shu embroidery of Sichuan Province, and the Xiang embroidery of Hunan Province.

Xiang embroidery, famous for its tiger patterns, combines the merits of Su and Yue embroidery, and most distinctively, has developed a new unmatched product--double-faced and Different Image Embroidery.

3.Story of local Hunan Embroidery artisan

Hunan's local style, the root of Xiang embroidery, has long been present in the area. Archaeologists have found exquisite silk embroidery items while excavating the Warring States' Chu Tomb and Xihan Dynasty's Mawangdui Tomb in Changsha, which indicates the stunning standard it reached more than 2000 years ago. As a typical representative of Xiang-Chu folk culture, Hunan Embroidery absorbed the elite arts of traditional painting, calligraphy on metal or stone, and classical Chinese poems & songs, which further promoted the development of the style.

Handing down the art of embroidery from generation to generation, Hunan locals also weaved their life stories as well. Zhou Shu Chun, an 85 year-old woman, is still able to divide a silk thread into 151 velours. She managed to support 3 generations of her family with the nail of her little finger.

Born in Chang Sha, a city that fostered Xiang embroidery, Zhou Shu Chun learned the ancient skill while young and devoted her whole life to the art. When her family went though hard times, her embroidery work turned out to be one of the family’s only sources of income.

Sadly, artisans like Zhou Shu Chun are becoming hard to find, as machine-driven factories produce inferior embroidery at a lower cost, driving many artisans out of work.

4.Efforts of government to protect Xiang Embroidery

To protect and prevent authentic Hunan Embroidery from disappearing, the China Hunan Embroidery Museum was established in the yard of Hunan Research Institute. The works on show exhibit the development of Hunan Embroidery and the high-quality work of elder artisans. Although factories continue to turn out low cost embroideries, the museum is dedicated to the preservation of this important part of Chinese culture.

Information:

China Hunan Embroidery Research Institute

Add:1 Railwaystation Rd.(N),Changsha 410001 P.R.C
Tel: (0086-731)2291061 2291879
Fax: (0086-731)2292312

Shopping Centre/Show-room Tel: (0086-731)2291821
China Hunan Embroidery Museum: (0086-731)2291820 2291821
E-mail:zgxx@hunan.gov.cn

Text by Panjingjing/Polisher:Chris