History of Embroidery: China

Xiang embroidery, is world famous for its technics and long history. Xiang is the shortened form for Hunan Province. Archeologists have discovered finely embroidered silk items in Changsha Mawangdui Han Toms (206BC-220AD), indicating that more than 2,000 years ago Xiang embroidery craftwork had emerged. During the long process of development, Xiang embroidery adopted the techniques used in traditional Chinese painting and formed its own unique style. By the end of the Qing Dynasty (the early 20th century), the technics of Xiang embroidery reached its peak and even took the leading position, surpassing Su embroidery. Xiang embroidery is famous for its tiger patterns. Xiang embroidery's unique techniques are generally based on Chinese painting, although it also includes techniques of engraving, calligraphy, and embroidery. This combination of techniques produced a new and unique embroidery product, double-faced and with different images and colors on each side of a transparent chiffon, greatly uplifting the artistic value of Xiang embroidery. The main threads used include pure silk, satin, transparent gauze and nylon, etc