Sichuan, located in west China, is
known as the "Land of Abundance", not only rich in rice and also famous for its
sericiculture.
Shu embroidery (Shu is the shortened form of
Sichuan), also called "Chuan embroidery", is one of the four famous embroidery
styles in China. It has enjoyed high reputation as "a treasure of Sichuan" ever
since the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD). The craft of Shu embroidery reached its
peak during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), many
embroidery workshops were set up. After the founding of new China in 1949, Shu
embroidery craft was greatly improved and it developed various new
kinds.
Shu embroidery is renowned for its superb
workmanship, smooth and bright in quality. It has strong expression and artistic
effect. The features of it are said as "fine and smooth needlework, simple and
elegant colors, graceful and easy lines and the traditional Chinese paintings'
style ". Its needling characteristics lie in "the even stitches, bright threads,
closeness and softness in texture, and both centrifugal and centripetal
needling". The embroidery takes locally-produced colorful satin and threads as
its materials.
The unique designs on Shu embroidery include
flowers, birds, landscapes, fish, worms and human figures. Its products include
pillowcases, embroidered slippers, mirror curtain, lace, wedding dress, scroll,
hats and shoes, skirts, quilt facing, etc. It mainly employs the themes of
auspicious happiness.