Embroidery of Miao nationality
 2016-12-20 16:37:26   Zhangjiajie Tourism Information Website  

People are used to calling the embroidery made by Miao ethnic group Miao embroidery, which stands for the fruit of Miao women’s hard work and wisdom. Miao embroidery, generally recognized as one of the most exquisite embroideries around the world, is the perfect combination of variety, fine craftsmanship as well as abundant culture. Moreover, as time goes on, it has become an artistic boutique for aesthetic enjoyment and collection.

Miao embroidery is not only the art treasures of Miao minority in Fenghuang (located in westernHunan), but also one of our ancient national handicraft arts. According to some relevant documents, embroidery appeared inChinaas early as the period of Shang and Zhou Dynasty. At that time, it was initially used for decorating clothes to show one’s status, functioning as an accessory means of politics. Gradually, embroidery began to be popularized as a kind of ornamental for beautifying ordinary people’s lives not until the Spring and Autumn Period.

Generally speaking, Miao embroidery is usually woven by five-color threads. About the design, a number of regular basic geometrical figures are probably the most common. However, flowers or plant pictures are few. Though Miao nationality doesn’t have written words, smartly, they use painting function of couching to describe primitive totems, record history.

Today, thanks to Miao embroidery, the collars, lapels, gussets and many other parts of the clothes turn to be outstanding. Meanwhile, Miao embroidery can also be used to sew satchels, wallets and so on. Maybe under the help of Miao embroidery, a cheap garment can soon become shining, valuable.

Translated by Becky