A single thread travels through a thousand years.
Each piece of Xiang embroidery is a moment in time preserved in silk.
Xiang embroidery is one of China's four great famous embroideries.
A single thread travels through a thousand years.
Each piece of Xiang embroidery is a moment in time preserved in silk.
Xiang embroidery is one of China's four great famous embroideries.
01.
The Origins in Ancient Chu
In 1958, embroidered silk featuring dragon and phoenix motifs was unearthed from a Warring States tomb in Changsha.
The discovery demonstrates the sophistication of silk weaving and embroidery in ancient Chu and reveals an important cultural foundation for the later development of embroidery in Hunan.
Warring States Period
(475-221 BCE)
Dragon and phoenix embroidery
Embroidery from a Chu Tomb
02.
The Development of Han Embroidery at Mawangdui
In 1972, more than forty embroidered garments and textile fragments were excavated from Mawangdui Tomb No. 1 in Changsha.
These works, including Xinqi, Longevity and Cloud-Riding embroidery, demonstrate the remarkable development of silk, pattern and needlework in Han-dynasty Hunan.
Western Han Dynasty
(2nd Century BCE)
Xinqi-Pattern Embroidered
Silk Robe
03.
The Formation of Xiang Embroidery
During the late Qing dynasty, folk embroidery in Changsha and its surrounding areas developed into the distinctive style now known as Xiang Embroidery.
New blended-stitch techniques and finely divided silk threads allowed embroiderers to reproduce the depth and tonal transitions of Chinese painting.
Late Qing Dynasty
(Late 19th Century)
Phoenix and Peony Embroidered
Curtain on Blue Satin
04.
Embroidery Goes Global
In the early twentieth century, Xiang Embroidery became increasingly accomplished in portraiture, birds, flowers and animals.
In 1933, an embroidered portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt created by Changsha’s Jinhuali Embroidery Workshop was displayed at the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago. Its remarkable realism brought Xiang Embroidery wider international recog
(Early 20th Century to the 1930s)
Embroidered Portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt
05.
Preservation and Contemporary Revival
Since 1949, Xiang Embroidery has continued to develop through professional research, education and technical innovation.
New approaches, including the hair-like stitch used for lions and tigers and double-sided embroidery with different images, have expanded its expressive possibilities. In 2006, Xiang Embroidery was included in China's first national list of intangible cultural heritage.
Today, the tradition continues through fashion, cultural products, contemporary art and digital presentation.
(1949-Present; National Heritage Recognition in 2006)
Drinking Tiger by Liu Aiyun
step 01
step 02
step 03
step 04
A tiger rendered in silk: directional stitches describe its fur and expression.
Birds and flowers share a richly embroidered composition. =
Carp and hibiscus bring movement and delicate colour to the silk.
Floral details and birds decorate an embroidered sleeve panel.
Classic Works
Through the Ages
Liu Aiyun
National Representative Bearer of Xiang Embroidery
Zhou Jinxiu
National Representative Bearer of Xiang Embroidery
Cheng Xinxiang
Provincial Representative Bearer of Xiang Embroidery
Li Kaiyun
Master Designer of Xiang Embroidery
Li Yan
Provincial Representative Bearer of Xiang Embroidery
Yang Yingxiu
Master Designer of Xiang Embroidery
Wang Jianyi
Master of Xiang Embroidery
Huang Cuifeng
Master Designer of Xiang Embroidery