Chinese Embroidery

Su (Suzhou) Embroidery is crafted in areas centered on Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. It is noted for its beautiful patterns, elegant colors, variety of stitches, and consummate craftsmanship. A needle creates Su embroidery on fabric as a brush paints a picture on canvas. Stitching is meticulously skillful, coloration subtle and refined.Xiang (Hunan) Embroidery comes from areas centered on Changsha, capital of Hunan Province. It is distinct for its starkly elegant black, white and gray coloration. Its emphasis is on contrasts of light and shade that highlight the pattern texture to give a three-dimensional effect. Xiang Embroidery composition combines void and solid imagery, utilizing empty space in the same way as Chinese ink-and-wash paintings.
Yue (Guangdong or Guang) Embroidery includes that crafted in Chaozhou. It is composed of intricate but symmetrical patterns, vibrant colors, varied stitches and a defined weave. Its use of primary colors, light and shade are reminiscent of Western paintings.
Shu (Sichuan) Embroidery comes from areas centered on Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Its raw materials are satin and colored silk, its craftsmanship painstaking and refined. The emphasis is on even stitching, delicate coloration, and local flavor. Sichuan embroidery is used to decorate quilt covers, pillowcases, garments, shoes and painted screens.