 |
 New Chinese Red Silk Brocade Table Runner with Tassels 78L FTR 09 $13.90 Time Remaining: 29d 9h 1m Buy It Now for only: $13.90 |
 Wine Liquor cover Chinese silk Red Black Look See $1.59 Time Remaining: 53m |
 Chinese Green Silk Brocade Table Runner with Tassels 78L FTR 02 $13.90 Time Remaining: 15d 6h 26m Buy It Now for only: $13.90 |
 Chinese Bamboo Chopsticks w Silk Cover H 1005 $0.99 Time Remaining: 15d 4h 9m Buy It Now for only: $0.99 |
 New Chinese Black Silk Brocade Table Runner Bamboo 78L FTR 08 $13.90 Time Remaining: 24d 10h 24m Buy It Now for only: $13.90 |
 Chinese Silk Brocade Table Runner Dragon Phoenix 78L FTR 10 $13.90 Time Remaining: 15d 11h 3m Buy It Now for only: $13.90 |
 WHOLESALE 4PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVER 999 $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 5h 30m |
 SILK WINE BOTTLE COVER Bag Chinese Brocade Fabric Gift NEW Black Red Lotus $4.88 Time Remaining: 23d 9h 34m Buy It Now for only: $4.88 |
 New Chinese Blue Silk Brocade Table Runner with Tassels 78L FTR 04 $13.90 Time Remaining: 17d 7h 14m Buy It Now for only: $13.90 |
 Chinese Green Silk Brocade Table Runner Dragon Phoenix 78L FTR 05 $13.90 Time Remaining: 19d 9h 23m Buy It Now for only: $13.90 |
 Chinese Silk Brocade Table Runner with Tassels Gold Bamboo 78L FTR 03 $13.90 Time Remaining: 16d 4h 1m Buy It Now for only: $13.90 |
 WHOLESALE 10PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVER FREE SHIPPING $0.99 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 3m |
 WHOLESALE 4PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVER 6552 $7.99 Time Remaining: 29d 51m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 |
 Chinese Brocade Silk Table Cloth Wall Hanging Tapestry2 $24.99 Time Remaining: 17d 8h 10m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 SILK WINE BOTTLE COVER Bag Chinese Brocade Fabric Gift NEW Red Gold Longevity $4.88 Time Remaining: 23d 9h 34m Buy It Now for only: $4.88 |
 Chinese Silk Brocade Table Runner Longevity w Tassel $13.90 Time Remaining: 8d 9h 29m Buy It Now for only: $13.90 |
 SET OF 4 SILK CHINESE PLACEMATE $2.99 Time Remaining: 2d 11h 22m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 |
 2PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS 1419 $4.99 Time Remaining: 25d 10h 4m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 |
 2PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS 5965 $4.99 Time Remaining: 19d 11h 39m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 |
 WHOLESALE 8 PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS $15.99 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 41m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 |
 SET OF 6 beautiful CHINESE Oriental Silk PLACEMAT SET WITH CHOPSTICKS purple $14.95 Time Remaining: 5d 8h 31m Buy It Now for only: $14.95 |
 2PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS 1420 $0.99 Time Remaining: 2h 12m |
 Blue Chinese Silk Brocade Table Runner Blessing 78L FTR 06 $13.90 Time Remaining: 12d 10h 19m Buy It Now for only: $13.90 |
 SILK WINE BOTTLE COVER Bag Chinese Brocade Fabric Gift NEW Magenta Fuchsia Pink $4.88 Time Remaining: 23d 9h 34m Buy It Now for only: $4.88 |
 Chinese Silk Dress Wine Bottle Cover $8.50 Time Remaining: 25d 13h 34m Buy It Now for only: $8.50 |
 10PAIR CHINESE HANDMADE BAMBOO CHOPSTICKS SILK COVERS ca811033 $9.50 Time Remaining: 11d 11h 21m Buy It Now for only: $9.50 |
 Gorgeous Home Decor CHINESE SILK TABLE RUNNERFLOWER $0.99 Time Remaining: 3h 34m |
 SILK WINE BOTTLE COVER Bag Chinese Brocade Fabric Gift NEW Royal Blue Gold Lotus $4.88 Time Remaining: 23d 9h 34m Buy It Now for only: $4.88 |
 SILK WINE BOTTLE COVER Bag Chinese Brocade Fabric Gift NEW Gold Red Rose Peony $4.88 Time Remaining: 23d 9h 34m Buy It Now for only: $4.88 |
 50 PCS CHINESE HANDMADE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS $46.99 Time Remaining: 28d 4h 51m Buy It Now for only: $46.99 |
 New Chinese Silk Brocade Table Runner Blessing 78L FTR 07 $13.90 Time Remaining: 16d 5h 30m Buy It Now for only: $13.90 |
 2PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS 5965 $0.99 Time Remaining: 7h 16m |
 Purple Chinese Silk Handmade Circle Flower Table Runner $4.99 Time Remaining: 14d 13h 17m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 |
 TR101 Beautiful Chinese Silk TABLE RUNNER 75x 12 Brand New with Tassel $28.99 Time Remaining: 5d 7h 51m Buy It Now for only: $28.99 |
 Remarkable Home Decor CHINESE SILK TABLE RUNNERFLOWER 2759 $16.99 Time Remaining: 12d 13h 34m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 SILK WINE BOTTLE COVER Bag Chinese Brocade Fabric Gift NEW Red Gold Lotus Golden $4.88 Time Remaining: 23d 9h 34m Buy It Now for only: $4.88 |
 2PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS 1419 $0.99 Time Remaining: 8h 12m |
 SILK WINE BOTTLE COVER Bag Chinese Brocade Fabric Gift NEW Black Red Floral $4.88 Time Remaining: 23d 9h 34m Buy It Now for only: $4.88 |
 WHOLESALE 4PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVER $12.34 Time Remaining: 12d 12h 8m Buy It Now for only: $12.34 |
 TR103Beautiful Chinese Silk TABLE RUNNER 75x 12 Brand New with Tassel Green $15.95 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 31m Buy It Now for only: $15.95 |
 4 PCS CHINESE HANDMADE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS $12.99 Time Remaining: 15d 11h 44m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 WHOLESALE 5 PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS $0.99 Time Remaining: 5h 45m |
 Chinese Silk Brocade Table Runner Cherry Blossom Bamboo $19.90 Time Remaining: 6d 7h 9m Buy It Now for only: $19.90 |
 2PCS CHINESE SILK Cute clothes BOTTLE COVERS $4.99 Time Remaining: 29d 11h 2m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 |
 Chinese Silk Brocade Table Runner Dragon w Tassel 89L $19.90 Time Remaining: 9d 10h 16m Buy It Now for only: $19.90 |
 NEW DESIGN6PCS CHINESE EXCELLENT SILK CUSHION $5.99 Time Remaining: 25d 13h 46m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 |
 Remarkable Home Decor CHINESE SILK TABLE RUNNERFLOWER $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 55m |
 Chinese Silk Brocade Table Runner Black Dragon w Tassel $19.90 Time Remaining: 21d 9h 55m Buy It Now for only: $19.90 |
 BV102 Chinese Handmade Ming Qing Dynasty Silk Wine Bottle Cover Couple Set of 2 $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 1m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 WHOLESALE 6PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS $12.99 Time Remaining: 22d 13h 19m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 10PAIR CHINESE HANDMADE BAMBOO CHOPSTICKS SILK COVERS CA300019 $9.50 Time Remaining: 16d 20h 1m Buy It Now for only: $9.50 |
 2PCS Cute clothes shape CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS FREE SHIPPING $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 12h 21m |
 BV101 Chinese Handmade Ming Qing Dynasty Silk Wine Bottle Cover Couple Set of 2 $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 13h Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 SILK WINE BOTTLE COVER Bag Chinese Brocade Fabric Gift NEW Pink Magenta Flowers $4.88 Time Remaining: 23d 9h 34m Buy It Now for only: $4.88 |
 SILK WINE BOTTLE COVER Bag Chinese Brocade Fabric Gift NEW Gold Chrysanthemum $4.88 Time Remaining: 23d 9h 34m Buy It Now for only: $4.88 |
 Remarkable Home Decor CHINESE SILK TABLE RUNNERFLOWER $16.99 Time Remaining: 3d 12h 33m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 NEW DESIGNCHINESE EXCELLENT HANDMADE SILK CUSHION1411 $0.99 Time Remaining: 4d 11h |
 6PCS NEW CHINESE SILK CUP CUSHIONS 1615 $5.99 Time Remaining: 18d 10h 26m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 |
 New Blue Chinese Silk Brocade Table Runner Bamboo 89L $19.90 Time Remaining: 4d 6h 1m Buy It Now for only: $19.90 |
 2PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS 1421 $4.99 Time Remaining: 3d 12h 4m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 |
 Noble Classic GREEN CHINESE SILK TABLE RUNNER CLOTH Us000002 $18.99 Time Remaining: 8d 21h 53m Buy It Now for only: $18.99 |
 2PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS 1421 $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 13h 8m |
 NEW DESIGNCHINESE EXCELLENT HANDMADE SILK CUSHION1411 $6.99 Time Remaining: 27d 3h 27m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 |
 2PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS 1420 $4.99 Time Remaining: 13d 10h 15m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 |
 WHOLESALE 5 PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS 3231 $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 2h 53m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 Black Chinese Silk Brocade Table Runner Plum Blossom $19.90 Time Remaining: 8h 31m Buy It Now for only: $19.90 |
 Remarkable Home Decor CHINESE SILK TABLE RUNNERFLOWER 2759 $8.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 36m |
 New Black Red Chinese Silk Brocade Table Runner Bamboo $19.90 Time Remaining: 24d 8h 20m Buy It Now for only: $19.90 |
 6PCS NEW CHINESE EMBROIDERY SILK CUP CUSHIONS 1626 $5.45 Time Remaining: 11h 43m Buy It Now for only: $5.45 |
 BV103 Chinese Handmade Ming Qing Dynasty Silk Wine Bottle Cover Couple Set of 2 $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 2m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 BV104 Chinese Handmade Ming Qing Dynasty Silk Wine Bottle Cover Couple Set of 2 $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 3m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 CHINESE SILK BROCADE WINE BOTTLE COVER BAG BRAND NEW ORIGINAL FACTORY PACKAGING $9.29 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 25m |
 New Gray Chinese Silk Brocade Table Runner Bamboo 89L $19.90 Time Remaining: 1d 9h 43m Buy It Now for only: $19.90 |
 NEW DESIGNCHINESE EXCELLENT HANDMADE SILK CUSHION1409 $6.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 33m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 |
 WHOLESALE 10PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVER $20.00 Time Remaining: 10d 11h 3m Buy It Now for only: $20.00 |
 New Chinese Silk Brocade Table Runner Bamboo Gold 89L $19.90 Time Remaining: 3d 5h 51m Buy It Now for only: $19.90 |
 Gorgeous Home Decor CHINESE SILK TABLE RUNNERFLOWER $9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 1h 15m |
 Chinese Silk Wine Bottle Cover Protector Gold 6BKV $5.41 Time Remaining: 10d 13h Buy It Now for only: $5.41 |
 Gorgeous Home Decor CHINESE SILK TABLE RUNNERFLOWER $16.99 Time Remaining: 12d 14h 20m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 STUNNING WHITE DRAGON CHINESE SILK CUSHION COVER $14.99 Time Remaining: 9d 1h 1m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 NEW DESIGNCHINESE EXCELLENT HANDMADE SILK CUSHION1412 $6.99 Time Remaining: 6d 1h 19m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 |
 2PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS 1419 $0.99 Time Remaining: 4d 44m |
 NEW DESIGNCHINESE EXCELLENT HANDMADE SILK CUSHION 1415 $6.99 Time Remaining: 15d 10h 25m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 |
 6PCS NEW CHINESE SILK CUP CUSHIONS 1624 $5.95 Time Remaining: 23d 12h 54m Buy It Now for only: $5.95 |
 6PCS NEW CHINESE SILK CUP CUSHIONS 1625 $6.99 Time Remaining: 28d 11h 15m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 |
 6PCS NEW CHINESE SILK CUP CUSHIONS 1616 $5.95 Time Remaining: 1d 11h 42m Buy It Now for only: $5.95 |
 2PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS 5965 $0.99 Time Remaining: 5d 9h 6m |
 NEW DESIGNCHINESE EXCELLENT HANDMADE SILK CUSHION 1414 $6.99 Time Remaining: 26d 2h 24m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 |
 NEW DESIGNCHINESE EXCELLENT HANDMADE SILK CUSHION1416 $5.99 Time Remaining: 11d 12h 51m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 |
 76 GORGEOUS CHINESE RED SUNBURST SILK TABLE RUNNER $12.50 Time Remaining: 25d 5h 53m Buy It Now for only: $12.50 |
 CHINESE EMBROIDERED SILK TABLE RUNNER $14.95 Time Remaining: 7d 12h 50m Buy It Now for only: $14.95 |
 2PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS 1420 $0.99 Time Remaining: 6d 1h 32m |
 16 CHINESE DRAGON PHOENIX SILK CUSHION COVER $8.95 Time Remaining: 9d 21m Buy It Now for only: $8.95 |
 TR102 Beautiful Chinese Silk TABLE RUNNER 75x 12 Brand New with Tassel $28.99 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 13m Buy It Now for only: $28.99 |
 20 PAIRS OF JAPANESE CHINESE CHOPSTICKS SILK CASE DINNER NEW YEAR WEDDING PARTY $26.78 Time Remaining: 6d 18h 7m Buy It Now for only: $26.78 |
 WHOLESALE 20PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS $40.99 Time Remaining: 16d 2h 33m Buy It Now for only: $40.99 |
 WHOLESALE 10PCS CHINESE SILK WINE BOTTLE COVERS $9.99 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 50m |
 Chinese Butterfly and Flowers Blue 78 Inch Silk Table or Bed Runner $79.99 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 13m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 |
 Noble Classic CHINESE SILK TABLE RUNNER CLOTH $19.80 Time Remaining: 3d 2h 22m Buy It Now for only: $19.80 |
 Noble Classic GREEN CHINESE SILK TABLE RUNNER CLOTH $19.80 Time Remaining: 6d 35m Buy It Now for only: $19.80 |
Chinese Silk
Oriental Hand-Made Chinese Silk Embroidery
Do you know what is silk embroidery? 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 4,800 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 into 12 to 48 thinner strands - depending on how fine the artist wants to be with his/her piece. The embroiderer then stitches layer after layer using threads of a variety of colors to reach the final wonderful effect. Embroiderers are known to take frequent breaks - every 10 to 15 minutes - to rest their eyes due to the strenuous nature of their work.
Due to the labor-intensiveness of the work, some larger and more intricate pieces of embroidery may require a year to a year and a half to complete by an artist or group of artists. Those works sell for thousands of dollars, - which is reasonable - considering the skill and time involved in creating the work. Of course, smaller pieces are available that are of high quality yet sell for much less.
Four Types of Silk Embroidery
The adoption of different needling methods through the years has resulted in four distinctive embroidery styles in China:
1) "Su" embroidery of Jiangsu Province - known for its delicacy and elegance, this style is usually very simple, highlighting a main theme. Its stitching is smooth, dense, thin, neat, even, delicate and harmonious. The thin thread is divided into up to 49 strands that are barely visible to the naked eye. Su embroidery is where double-sided embroidery originated. Su embroidery products were sent to participate in the Panama World Fair in 1905.
2) "Xiang" embroidery of Hunan Province - became the main craft in places around Changsha, capital city of Hunan Province, in the Qing Dynasty. Xiang embroidery was developed from Hunan folk embroidery methods, but it also drew on the skills of Su embroidery and Yue embroidery. This method uses loose colorful threads to embroider the pattern with the stitches being not as neat as those of other embroidery styles. The various colored threads are mixed together, showing a gradual change in color with a rich and harmonious tone. Designs on Xiang embroidery mostly derive from traditional Chinese paintings of landscapes, human figures, flowers, birds and animals. The most common designs on Xiang embroidery are lions and tigers. The tigers appear strong and bold, revealing their power and menace as a king of animals. Xiang embroidery won the best award in the Torino World Fair in Italy in 1912 and the First Award in the Panama World Fair in 1943.
3) "Yue" embroidery of Guangdong Province - is rich and complicated in content with bright colors and strong decorative effects. The embroidery is smooth and even. One type, gold and silver cushion embroidery, creates a magnificent three-dimensional effect. Yue embroidery has a wide range of designs, the most common ones being birds worshipping the sun, dragons and phoenixes.
4) "Shu" embroidery of Sichuan Province - are mostly found in Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province. They are made with soft satins and colored threads as the raw materials are embroidered by hand. The varied stitching methods form their unique local style. Designs on Shu embroidery include flowers, birds, landscapes, fish, worms and human figures. The products themselves include quilt covers, pillow covers, back cushions, table cloths, scarves and handkerchiefs.
Western-Style Silk Embroidery
Western-style silk embroidery occurs as the result of an
artist using fine silk strands and needles to accurately
reproduce famous Western-style oil paintings (see figure 2)
- like Van Gogh and Da Vinci. It is truly amazing how an
embroidery artist can literally take silk strands and create
a silk reproduction of a well-known artist's oil painting.
Essentially, the artist paints with fine silk strands instead
of painting with oil. Think about it . . . does this not perhaps
require more skill than painting with oil itself? Despite the
difference in materials and technique, one thing about a
silk embroidery work is that - from a distance - it can very
much resemble a work of oil painting .
From up close, however, one can notice the colorful
patterns and detailed stitching in a silk embroidery work.
In fact, the colors will appear more bright and lively than
the usually duller colors of an oil painting.
Double-Sided Silk Embroidery
Double-sided silk embroidery is the result of an advanced embroidery technique in which the artist stitches on both sides of a single transparent silk canvas. The embroidered design displays on both the front and back sides of the fabric and does not show the joints in the stitching. Such a work is normally mounted as a screen on a wooden frame. A special feature about double-sided silk embroidery is that you can enjoy the artist's handiwork from either side of the picture.
How To Mount Store Silk Embroidery
Mounting a piece of silk embroidery can be an art in and of itself.
Hard Mounting - is most suitable for small to medium-sized embroidery pieces. It involves mounting the piece on a wooden board or frame with a front protective glass. The mounting technique is relatively easy to master.
Soft Mounting - is most suitable for larger pieces. It involves mounting the embroidery piece on a large sheet of paper with a silk border. The mounting technique is very difficult to master. As a result, due to the nature of the mounting technique, a piece with soft mounting is more valuable.
Storing - be sure to wrap embroidery pieces in a container that protects it from moths. Also, embroidery should not be exposed to strong light - especially sunshine - for an extended period of time. Moreover, the environment should be neither too wet nor too dry.
About the Author
I really love Chinese silk products. Is there any chinese products can compare with it?
There are a lot of Chinese products with Chinese feature, such as cloisonne work [ware], Painting and Calligraphy of China, cooling oil and Chinese knot, all of which are hardly found in other countries except in China.
Marina Bistrin - Chinese Silk Road Fan Dance (5 April 2009)