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Introduction
Do you know what "silk embroidery" is? Do you
know what it looks like? Many people I come across
in the U.S. are either unaware or unfamiliar with
what silk embroidery is. Moreover, for the few who
are familiar with this specialized Chinese skill, I
have discovered that they do not have a true
knowledge and appreciation for this fine Chinese art
form. Thus, the implication can be made that “silk
embroidery" is truly a "Hidden Oriental
Jewel" that has been under appreciated in the West
due mainly to the fact that the common person is
ignorant of the time, effort, and skill required to
create high-quality "silk embroidery"
works. Hence, the purpose of this article will be to
inform and educate you (whether the art lover or the
common person) on: What is silk embroidery?, How it
is made?, How to appreciate it?, etc. My hope is
that you will acquire an appreciation for the
uniqueness and value of this oft-overlooked Chinese
art. Whether an art lover or not, I think you will
come to appreciate the value of this “Hidden
Oriental Jewel"
What is Silk Embroidery?
Silk embroidery is a type of Oriental wall art that
results from the traditional Chinese skill of
pulling fine strands of colored silk through a
canvas to create a beautiful work of art. The most
common way to enjoy silk embroidery is as a framed,
wall-hanging object. Hence, it is ideal as a gift,
collectible, home decoration, souvenir, or office
piece. The art of skill embroidery originated in
China and has been practiced there for over 3,800
years. It reached a high level early in the Qing and
Han dynasties, with silk and silk embroidery being
the main products transported along the ancient
Chinese Silk Road.
China was one of the first countries to transform
embroidery into an advanced art form. The use of
special embroidery techniques and styles sets apart
Chinese embroidery from embroidery created in other
parts of the world. In the past, embroidery skills
were considered to be an essential skill every woman
was to possess. A woman who could create a
high-quality embroidery piece was admired and
well-respected. Women from rich families took on
embroidery as a hobby while those from poor families
did it for a living. Today, high-quality embroidery
works are treated on the same level as the best
Chinese paintings and Tang/Song Dynasty poems
How To Appreciate Silk Embroidery?
Whether you’re an “art lover" or the “common
person" you'll come to appreciate the value of silk
embroidery once you learn of the skill and effort
that goes into creating each piece. To create a high
quality piece, an artist must split a single silk
thread into several thinner threads. It can be split
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