Suzhou is famous for its beautiful silk embroideries. People come from all over China to buy it and then resell it in their provinces. Yesterday my friends Helen and Shoupin took me to visit the shops where they sell it. In every store there is at least one person working away. Such delicate work, it's hard to explain.
This is a typical embroidery. Fish, birds, and flowers dominate the scene.
I loved how they did these birds, bold with their wings flapping.
This one is atypical with its soft colors and gentle look.
I absolutely love the robe embroideries. These are a little smaller 10"by 12" maybe.
I'm sure you would never guess by this photo that this is my favorite. It took my breath away. It is so delicate, using the look of Chinese calligraphy and brush painting giving a glimpse of Chinese life; the fish, the furniture, the books, the vase, the flowers. I adore it. It has a series of four pieces. I loved them all, but this one is my favorite.
Oh the robes! Cool! I did court robe lesson with my 4th graders...one of my favorite to teach with all the symbols and meanings. So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe top goldfish one is my favorite...but they are ALL exquisite. Makes my old cross stitch stuff look totally mindless.
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