Hunan embroidery ready for the global stage
發佈日期: 2025-07-20 21:06
TVB News
Hunan's embroidery, recognised as one of China's four famous embroidery styles, is a national intangible cultural heritage icon.
A mother-daughter duo is revitalising this traditional craft with innovative approaches.
In this double-sided work, a lioness rests with her newborn cubs in a grassy area.
On the other side, the lions transform into a group of foxes beside their mother.
This amazing art is the unique double-sided embroidery from Hunan.
Li Yan, a grandmaster of the heritage, said foreigners find the technique magical.
She reveals that the secret lies in concealing the threads at the back while embroidering both sides.
After graduating from school, Li joined the Xiang Embroidery Research Institute where she participated in restoring ancient Xiang embroidery
unearthed at Mawangdui, a heritage site over 2,000 years old.
Needles and threads serve as the embroiderers' brushes and colours, she said.
Also a trained oil painter, she has integrated oil painting techniques with embroidery to modernise the craft.
This striking tiger is created using a unique technique known as "pengmao" threading, meaning fluffy hair.
The original piece was auctioned in Hong Kong for 2.8 million Hong Kong dollars.
This technique is also applied to plants and landscapes.
The embroidery next to me captures the scenery of Zhangjiajie, one of the famous attractions in Hunan.
It's a replica work. The original piece measures 3 metres by 7 metres and took a team of 30 to 40 embroiderers six months to complete. It has been showcased in the Great Hall of the People since 2012.
Meanwhile, Li's daughter, Changni, is starting an evolution for the craft.
As a product designer educated in France, she has adapted this centuries-old craft for fashion accessories, such as earrings and handbags that can sell as luxury items.
Changni, who is the founder of Yan Xiang Embroidery, said her designs require a lower entry barrier for the skill, as currently fewer than 10 people in Hunan can stitch a complete tiger.
She hopes to collaborate with international brands to bring Hunan embroidery to the global stage.
