Hand Embroidery

China's Handmade Embroidery - Embroidered Silk Visual Art

Hisotry of Chinese Handmade Embroidery

China has always been famous for its silk and its handmade silk embroidery. For millennia, the renowned "Silk Road" brought Chinese silk and embroidery to Central Asia, Western Asia, Europe and Africa. The silk trade created exchanges between China, India, Greece and Rome and acted as a link between these four ancient civilizations.

Since the earliest fabric samples of 3000 B.C. People in China realise that human beings have wanted to enliven their surroundings clothing, toiletries and linens by adding hand work of some kind over the woven fabrics.

Different areas of the devised their own peculiar styles. The type of thread, colors, motifs and presentation of each area and style are unique. Each region had a few stitches unique to their style. The motifs were related to nature and religion and everyday life of people.

Religious embroideries spanned the breadth of the age of the many religious organizations and royal courts. Handmade Embroidery art had patrons just like other art forms. These embroideries include gold threads or zardosi, chikankari, kasuti and kashmiri.

Chikankari is said to have a Turkish impression though it is mentioned in the records of Megasthenes in 3rd century B.C. Kashmiri embroidery is colorful with symbols like chinar leaf, apple blossom, lily, the saffron flower and the fauna of the region. Phulkari has brightly colored flowers on coarse cotton. Beadwork and Zardosi are Mughal introductions where as mirror work is typical to Gujarat and Rajasthan. Kantha' Embroidery of Bengal makes imaginative use of waste rugs and Kasuti is famous for religious themes.

- Styles of Chinese Silk Embroidery Art

There are several different levels of Chinese embroidered silk visual art:

• Antique (all handmade obviously)

• High quality, classical handmade

• Ordinary quality handmade

• Machine made

As corresponding, Suzhou embroidery (Su embroidery for short), Hunan embroidery (Xiang embroidery for short), Sichuan embroidery (Shu embroidery for short) and Guangdong embroidery (Yue embroidery for short) are the four most famous styles of embroidery in China.

The city of Suhou is the center of the Chinese handmade embroidered silk visual art. From there the silk industry spreads west to other cities including Suzhou and it extends to Shanghai, Wuxi, etc. and now includes Beijing, Guangxi, Guangdong. Shenzhen, Zhejiang, Shanxi, Shandong, Hubei, Anhui and other places.

Merits of Chinese Handmade Embroidery

Handmade classical silk embroidery is alive. The high quality work looks lifelike. It's been created with loving care by an individual artist. These people are masters of their trade.

They have incredible skill and their work is stunningly beautiful. But it looks alive. The machine made versions look stiff and unnatural. It's quite easily distinguishable.

Handmade embroidery is done with pure silk thread. It has an exquisite, glossy feel to it. Real silk thread will break when used in a sewing machine. So the thread that is used in a machine is thicker and has an artificial fiber feel to it because it is a mix. It is not pure silk.

Chinese handmade silk embroidery is highly collectible. There are many collectors in Germany, the rest of Europe, the USA, Japan, Africa and in other countries, usually the affluent art aficionados all over the world. The embroidered silk is truly representative of Chinese art.

Authentic antique silk embroidered visual art sells for anywhere between $35,000 and $125,000, and is an excellent investment as their prices continue to rise. Over the long term (hundreds of years) the value has increased by as much as 50 times. These pieces are on display in museums and exist in private collections and become available for sale in much the same way any antique art does: dealers, auctions and so on, with the usual problems of verifying authenticity and provenance.

But machine embroidery may have become common these days and perhaps more economical but theuniqueness, variety, intricacy, art and fineness of hand embroidery is unmatched and as yet unchallenged. Today you can also buy modern, hand embroidered silk of the type that is being produced. This varies greatly in quality. At one extreme there is ordinary handmade silk embroidery which you can buy for as little as $100 for a piece. Then there is high quality, classical embroidered silk being produced at higher prices. These pieces tend to sell at auction and therefore the prices can go very high and be somewhat unpredictable.

A Special Kind of Chinese Handmade Embroidery - Chinese Double Sided Embroidery

The double sided embroidery is a technique in which stitching takes place on both sides of a single transparent silk fabric. The design shows on both sides (front and reverse). Such a piece is normally mounted on a wooden frame as a screen, one really can't tell which side is the front or the back.

Most of the double sided embroideries, almost all, people see in shops have the same images on both sides. However there are a few double sided embroideries that have two different images on both sides. It's a mystery and secret how this kind of works are made.

Fine Works of Chinese Handmade Embroidery

People from different countries have different tastes. A silk handmade embroidery popular in one country is not necessarily popular in another country. But there are some silk embroideries that seem almost everyone likes them.

Have you ever seen such a beautiful painting on a piece of silk satin? Just imagine embroidering such a delicate figure with threads and needles! But such exquisite embroidery has been one of China's most famous art forms for many centuries, and four main schools of embroidery have established with their unique techniques.

Picture: The Chinese Art of Painting with Silk Threads

Remark: Clever photographer, Nancy Fox, recently returned from a tour of mainland China. A visit to an embroidery factory in Suzhou was high on her list of places to see. She was not disappointed. When she arrived, the artists were hard at work producing these paintings. They readily consented to let Nancy photograph them while they worked.

* Last, if you interests, you can find all kinds of Chinese silk handmade silk embroidery art for sale on the Internet(http://www.made-in-china.com/products-search/hot-china-products/Handmade_Embroidery.html) like any other modern or old art.

About the Author

I'd like to introduce and display an excellent selection of China fine art products and gifts - www.123giftfactory.com to you, also give you great suggestions about gift ideas and the latest fashion art trends in China.

can anyone tell me where can i learn tailoring,fabric painting,machine and hand embroidery within one month in?

i want to learn all this in one month ...in secunderabad..

Not sure what type of media is available in India - can you translate, or are you fluent in the native language?

None of what you are asking about can be accomplished in one month as to where you would be proficient.

Concentrate on just one medium at a time for a month or more.

MVI 6763

Fiskars 95217097 45 mm Rotary Cutter $9.99 Fiskars 45mm Rotary Cutter is a superior rotary cutter that is ideal for cutting through heavy stock or multiple layers of fabric, paper, felt, vinyl, cardboard, mat board, cloth, leather, and fiberglass material. Comfortable, contoured handle reduces hand fatigue. Convenient handle loop provides secure grip and easy storage....

Fulcrum Magnifier 12 LED Floor Lamp $60.26 The Fulcrum Magnifier Floor Lamp offers improved vision and plenty of cool light, allowing you to work up close without straining your eyes. Great for activities like reading and sewing, this illuminated magnifying lamp increases your field of vision when you need to see every last detail. The large 5-inch diameter lens has 2x magnification power with a 6x inset for fine details. Its 12 glare-free...

Ariel Embroidered Terry Towel Ariel Embroidered Terry Bath Towel...

The A to Z of Hand Embroidery by Leisa Pownall ...

Fancy Work - 1997-1998 $17.86 ...

Beam N Read LED 6 Deluxe Hands Free Light; Extra Wide & Bright Light from 6 LEDs Plus 4x5 Clip-On Magnifier $26.95 For Personal Light Anywhere, that won't disturb others. This hands free light delivers versatility and features unmatched by other portable lights: extra wide & bright light from 6 LEDs, longer battery life, 2 clip-on filters, clip on magnifier, and optional AC & DC power adapters. Read Everything: It's a true reading light that works with all Kindles, Nooks, and other eReaders, hardcover books & ...

AC Adapter for Beam N Read LED Hands Free Lights $13.45 The Beam N Read 120 Volt AC Adapter works with all Beam N Read LED Hands Free lights (3 and 6 LED lights). The AC adapter has an 8 foot cord and the package includes an additional 6 foot low voltage extension cord providing 14 feet total. You may leave batteries in the Beam N Read or take them out to make a super lightweight light. Please note this is a power adapter and will not recharge batteri...

Creating Machine Embroidery with Alison Holt $29.95 If you love Alison Holt's work as shown in her books or on her website you will love this DVD! In the course of 3+ hours Alison takes you on a journey along country lanes and through English gardens as she explores her love of free-hand machined embroidery. Using just ZIGZAG stitch and STRAIGHT stitch and a variety of thread colors, Alison shows you how to achieve 3 dimensional results that ar...

Special Christmas white silver bell table runner and placemats $15.99 Brand New beautiful and High Quality with special price White Christmas silver bell with cutwork embroidery table runner and 14x20" placemats 15x54" with 4pcs placemats 15x72" with 6pcs placemats 15x90" with 8pcs placemats Condition: Brand New 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee(NO QUESTIONS ASKED)...

Special Christmas tree white crochet table cloth and napkin $59.99 Brand New beautiful Christmas White 100% cotton with crochet joint and sliver christmas tree embroidery table cloth and napkin 36x36"square table topper with 2pcs napkins 60x84" for 4-6 seats with 6pcs napkins 72x108" for 6-8 seats with 8pcs napkins 72x120" for 8-10 seats with 10pcs napkins 64" round for 4-6 seats with 6pcs napkins 72" round for 6-8 seats with 8pcs napkins 90" round for 8-10...

'Praying Hands' Pillowcase Embroidery Set (Set of 2) $12.53 Add a hand-stitched accent to your bedding with 'Praying Hands' pillowcase embroidery projectCraft project features set of two stamped pillows to embroiderNeedlework kit includes two stamped pillows, instructions and floss requirements

Art of Elegant Hand Embroidery, Embellishment and Applique (Hardcover) $22.84 Description not available.

Hand Applique With Embroidery (Paperback) $19.47 Description not available.

Fabric and Black Embroidery with Crystal Accents Clutch (India) $80.99 Handcrafted by Indian artisans, this bag offers beautiful floral embroidery in black with crystal accents on a black fabric background. This gorgeous accessory features a stylish clutch design, closing with a convenient magnetic closure.

Hand-embroidered Turquoise Beaded Handbag (India) $52.99 Artisans from India adapt their designs for the contemporary woman in this handbag. This turquoise and silver hand-embroidered fabric bag is designed to add color and spice to your wardrobe.

Alabama Stitch Book $24.75 “Haute homespun out of the Deep South.” That’s how Vogue magazine has described the fashion of Natalie Chanin. Alabama Stitch Book brings us a collection of projects and stories from her clothing and lifestyle compa...

Fabric and Hand-embroidered Sequins with Crystal Accent Clutch (India) $67.99 Hand-embroidered by artisans, this bag has light imperfections in embroidery that add to the overall beauty of the bag. This gorgeous accessory features a stylish clutch design with embroidered antique sequins and crystals.

Hand-embroidered Fabric Goldtone Patina Clutch (India) $52.99 Beautiful sequins highlight this antique goldtone fabric hand bag. Each clutch is unique and hand-embroidered by artisans in India.

Fabric and Antique Embroidery with Malecite Stones Patna Clutch (India) $60.99 This hand-embroidered bag offers antique sequin embroidery with Malecite stone accents in golden and green hues. With a clutch style, this accessory features a convenient magnetic closure.

Fabric and Embroidery with Stone Accent Beige Flower Clutch (India) $64.99 Hand-embroidered by artisans, this bag has light imperfections in embroidery that add to the overall beauty of the bag. This gorgeous accessory features a stylish clutch design with a floral motif with textured stone accents.

Fine Hand Embroidery; $14.4 Fine Hand Embroidery;

Hand Applique With Embroidery (Paperback) $19.47 Description not available.

Edmunds Square Embroidery Hoop $19.49 Enhance your crafting experience with this square embroidery hoopEdmunds embroidery hoop made of hardwoods with a finely finished surfaceSewing accessory slips easily under a machine for embroideryUltimate in hoops for hand or machine embroidery

By Hand $19.76 Available now in a paperback edition, our critically acclaimed By Hand features the work of thirty-two artists whose innovative and unexpected uses of handicraft techniques such as embroidery, ...

Simple Silk Ribbon Embroidery by Machine $16.46 Use any sewing machine to create intricate silk ribbon embroidery that looks hand-stitched- without tedious handwork

Royal School of Needlework Embroidery Techniques $19.76 A learn-by-doing guide to the most-prized hand embroidery techniques explains the four basic stitches, with projects to match...

Judith Baker Montanos Embroidery & Craz $17.12 Compact guide to 180+ stitches and stitch combinations for hand embroidery, silk ribbon embroidery, and crazy quilting.

OESD GC211B Hand Crafted Christmas Embroidery Designs Brother Card $89.99 This Design Card works on Brother, Babylock, Bernina Deco 500, 600, 650, Simplicity, EM1 And White 3300 Embroidery Machines.

Hand Embroidery Pattern: Garden Design - Limited Time 20% Off Sale! Price shown reflects discount. $2.5 A hand embroidery pattern of a garden design. Finished stitches are made by using embroidery stitching tool 3-ply needle and No. 25 embroidery thread. An iron-on pattern transfer for fabrics. Includes instruction manual.

Step-by-Step Embroidery Stitches $3.99 Sewing techniques made simple for hand and machine, with 300 stunning photographs and diagrams.

Singer Quantum Freemotion Embroidery and Darning Foot #386017 $24.99 Fits Singer , XL1000, XL5000, XL6000rn. May be used to create free hand embroidery and quilting (stippling), as well as monograms.

Hand Embroidery Pattern: Kitchen Design - Limited Time 20% Off Sale! Price shown reflects discount. $2.5 A hand embroidery pattern of a kitchen design. An iron-on pattern transfer for fabrics. Includes instruction manual.

Embroidery $6.95 Described as drawing with needle and thread, embroidery is a creative way for kids to make a statement by embellishing their clothing with personal designs...

Art of Elegant Hand Embroidery, Embellishment and Applique (Hardcover) $22.84 Description not available.

DMC Floss Thread For Hand Embroidery And Smocking 15 Skiens $4.99 Six Strand Embroidery Floss (Art. 117)rnThis quality thread is perfect for stitching on all types of fabric: rn* Made with 100% long staple cotton rnrn* Double mercerized rnrn* Brilliant six-strand divisible thread rnrn* Colors are washable and fade resistant rnrn* Size 25.

Embroidery Hoop with Floor Stand $54.84 Make sewing or embroidering crafts easier with an Oval Hoop with Floor Stand by EdmundsSewing accessory is perfect for several styles of hand quilting projectsHoop tilts or swivels for comfortable hands free working position Hoop can be easily detached from the floor frame for lap quiltingStand is 31 inches high Hoop measures 16 inch x 27 inch Smooth edge hardwood hoop Brass plated hardware