Seeing the light

Many of these traditional crafts, despite their long histories, have been constantly evolving, thanks to the ingenuity of the inheritors. A Su embroidery master Shen Shou (1874-1921), inspired by Western art, invented the technique that allows the embroidery to resemble realism oil paintings.

The story of a similarly innovative modern-day embroiderer, Yao Huifen, who invented the simplified needling style, is also told in the documentary. With exquisite needlework and a limited choice of colors, she is able to render images from the Renaissance era onto silk.

One of her iconic works is an embroidered reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci's self-portrait. In her work journal, she wrote about the creation process: "Every line and stitch of mine is a process of adorning Da Vinci himself.

"I feel that the needles and threads are alive, that they are communicating with Da Vinci in their own language."

Yao has also been exploring contemporary art to extend the boundaries of this traditional craft.