Saturday, February 14, 2015

SU EMBROIDERY

"SU" or Suzhou embroidery became prominent in China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) it's origins go back more than 2000 years. It is one of the oldest embroidery techniques in the world.

It is a style characterized by it's beautiful hand dyed silk threads and detailed needlework, intricate designs that were said to have " rivaled nature".

There were many styles of embroidery in China but Su embroidery set the standard for all styles.



Su embroidery is so realistic it looks like a photo. Some of the art work takes years to complete.




The masters of this technique have been training students for hundreds of years. At this point in time it has become a thriving industry, you can now purchase these beautiful works of art online.


Su embroidery is done on a piece of silk fabric and embroidered with the finest hand dyed silk thread. The thread is dyed so artfully and has wonderful color variations. 

Some of the threads are pulled apart into the thinnest filaments, so much so they are almost invisible. The threads a built up in layers this is what gives it such depth and realism.



Almost anything can be captured in stitches with this most intricate and detailed technique and the piece becomes a work of art.























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