Culture in Sichuan ( shu xiu )Shu Embroidery

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intowestchina

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Posted: Dec 25, 2007 - 03:02 PM
Post subject: Culture in Sichuan ( shu xiu )Shu Embroidery

Also called Chuan embroidery, Shu embroidery is the general name for embroidery found in areas around Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Since the Western Chuan Plain was prosperous because of its thriving silkworm-breeding industry in ancient times, the area was also called the Shu State - l "Shu" in Chinese literally means 'worms'. Later Shu became the shortened form for Sichuan.
Shu embroidery enjoys a long history. As early as in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), the silk products in the Shu area had been exported to the Thai capital. The art of Shu embroidery developed with the prosperity of the silk business in the Shu area.
Ⅰ. History
In the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), Shu embroidery was already famous. The central government even designated an office in this area for its administration. During the Sui and Tang dynasties (581-907), the increasing trade on the Silk Road, a relatively peaceful society, and large demand of silk products provided advanced conditions for the rapid development of the Shu embroidery industry.
Shu embroidery experienced its peak development in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), ranking first in both production and excellence. In the mid-Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), many professional workshops and artisans engaged in Shu embroidery welled up. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Shu embroidery factories were set up and the craft entered a new phase of development, using innovative techniques and a larger variety of forms.

Ⅱ. Features
Shu embroidery formed its own unique characteristics: smooth, bright and neat, influenced by the geographical environment, customs and cultures of the Shu area. The works incorporated flowers, leaves, animals, mountains, rivers and human figures as their themes.

Soft satin and colored threads are the principal raw materials for the rather unique technique of Shu embroidery. Altogether there are 122 weaving techniques divided into 12 categories. The brightly colored threads are evenly stitched to produce a delicate picture or pattern. Shu embroidery is particularly characterized by the closeness of its stitching, which allows Shu embroiderers to highlight miniscule details in the subjects they produce. A Shu-embroidered piece may include hundreds of thousands of stitches in a single figure or animal, and may take many days or even weeks to complete.

The craftsmanship of Shu embroidery involves a combination of fine arts, aesthetics and practical uses. Shu embroidery is used for both artistic pieces and for objects that may be used every day. Quilts, pillowcases, coats, sheets, slippers, or clothes may be embroidered in the Shu style, lending color and beauty to the wearer. Equally enjoyable are art pieces produced in the Shu style. These may include wall hangings, screens for separating rooms, or curtains.
The rich color and vibrant images found in Shu embroidery are meant to remind the viewer (or wearer) of the joy which can be found in any living thing; it is perhaps because of this joy that Shu embroidery remains popular to this day

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