Peter Arthur Stanleigh from Wuxi learns how to sew from embroidery artist Liang Xuefang at her workshop in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, on April 19. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
More than 8,000 embroidery artists live and work in the town, where every shop, front room and lounge contains an embroidery workshop. Nearly all the women in the town boast traditional craftsmanship skills, as the local saying goes 'if you are incapable of embroidering, you cannot get married'.
The second day trip started just as everyone arrived at a tranquil street in the town. Taking a step outside of Suzhou's modern high-tech profile, the quaint and quiet village allows visitors to celebrate the delicate intricacy of embroidery on an epic scale.
The group was shown around the workshop of crafts expert Liang Xuefang, who has dedicated herself to learning about and creating embroidery pieces for more than 40 years. Liang introduced some of the finest embroidery pieces and shared her skills with visitors.
"Su embroidery, known for its exquisite patterns and elegant style, is listed as a state-level intangible cultural heritage originating from Jiangsu province." Liang said.
Liang is famous for her creative embroidery works on traditional Chinese subjects, including the masterpiece "The Charm of Lotus", which was added to an art collection at the British Museum in 2013.
"I can't believe it is not a photo." Asad Riaz from Pakistan was totally amazed, shaking his head in awe as he observed Liang's skillful threaded depiction of her mother's portrait, crafted with extreme detail on a fine scrim.
