Xiabu Embroidery: The Profound Beauty of Art

Image source: Interviewee

When I first began learning Xiabu (Summer Cloth) Embroidery, I was seven years old, working alongside my great-aunt on various needlework projects like embroidery, shoe uppers, and soles. Back then, it wasn't known as Xiabu Embroidery, as it was called Folk Linen Embroidery.

My great-aunt's influence inspired my lifelong passion for embroidery. Whenever I had free time, I would sit down and embroider practical items like TV covers and pillowcases. After being dismissed from work in 2002, I had to consider how to make a living. I decided to turn my childhood love for embroidery into a means of supporting myself. 

Image source: Sohu

During this time, I discovered the profound beauty of embroidery, feeling deep in my heart that it was the most beautiful art form in the world. Starting in 2002, I firmly devoted myself to treading on the road of embroidery art. 

Even though Xiabu is rough and rugged to initiate and end needling, its pattern is clear and detailed, old-fashioned, and it’s an outstanding material. Combined with calligraphy, it will potentially manufacture a satisfactory result. Thus, I bought several pieces of Xiabu and attempted to embroider some calligraphic pieces. After I saw the product, I was super impressed. The quaint material and the rigid handwriting, the yellow, black, and white that blends flawlessly together, is just pure perfection. Then, I thought maybe I could adopt Xiabu Embroidery to the famous work of traditional Chinese painting artist Baoshi Fu, which gradually developed into the antique fragrance and rhymes we have today, brimming with the rich scent of art. 

Image source: Interviewee

Throughout the process of learning and passing down Xiabu Embroidery, I faced several challenges. First, the material of Xiabu is naturally intricate and loosely woven, making it unsuitable for embroidery. I had to research and develop a method to soften Xiabu, making it more pliable and suitable for detailed needlework. Second, modern society’s fast-paced, diversified demands make it difficult for young people to dedicate time to learning and mastering this craft, leading to a shortage of young inheritors. Additionally, the proliferation of modern textiles and decorative items has reduced the market demand for Xiabu Embroidery, creating significant pressure on the industry to sustain its tradition and growth.

Throughout my journey with Xiabu Embroidery, I have experienced all the highs and lows. As long as I remain true to my passion and unwavering in my faith in my dream, the outcome will not disappoint.

- Ms. Zhang

Xinyu, Jiangxi Province, China

Interviewer: 方睿博

Translator: Connie Xu

Editor: Lexie 顾加彤