Leadership Insights | Illustrated Lectures:Sichuan Embroidery: Weaving a Dream of Revival and Prosperity along the Silk Road

Sichuan embroidery, also known as Shu embroidery, is dubbed one of the four famous Chinese embroidery styles, alongside Suzhou embroidery, Hunan embroidery, and Cantonese embroidery. Originating in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, it has had a history of more than 2,000 years. It had already taken shape during the Han (202 BC-220 AD) and Jin (266-420) dynasties, and developed a unique style during the Ming and Qing dynasties(1368-1911). In 2006, it was included in the national intangible cultural heritage list. Itis renowned for precise stitching, delicate lines, and rich colors, with themesfeaturing flowers and birds, landscapes, figures, and elements of Bashu culture.

Sichuan embroidery is famous for its “diverse stitching techniques,”involving over 130 methods such as shading stitch, cutting stitch, and rolling stitch. By layering and interweaving silk threads, the type of embroidery achieves a relief-like stereoscopic texture. Dyed silk threads can be divided into thousands of color gradations. Combined with exceptional techniques like double-sided embroidery and multicolor embroidery, the finished pieces display different patterns and colors on the front and back, vividly bringing designs to life, earning it the reputation as “an artistic treasure of the East.” The representative work, Hibiscus and Carp, uses transparent silk threads to capture the changes of light and shadow on the body of the swimming fish, showcasing the artisan’s mastery of “painting with stitches.”

Contemporary Sichuan embroidery innovates on the basis of tradition and integrates modern aesthetics, giving rise to several national-level inheritors. Relevant conservation institutions continue the craft by establishing intangible cultural heritage bases and organizing inheritancetraining classes, allowing it to rejuvenate in fashion designs and cultural-tourism products.

As a traditional Chinese embroidery craft, Sichuan embroidery has made remarkable achievements over time. Today, the techniques of this embroidery genre have become morediverse. With the continuousimprovement of its skill inheritance system, many outstanding female embroiders have been cultivated. The themes of Sichuan embroidery have evolved from traditional to diversified, incorporating modern aesthetics. With the help of modern technology, Sichuan embroidery has achieved digital design, allowing for precise effect simulation and improving creation efficiency.

Local intangible cultural heritage should be properly inherited and utilized with appropriate carriers, and develop in line with the times.

监制:蔚力

策划:丁素云

文案:杨俊康