The Meaning of "Xiu" in Chinese Culture

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The first book on Chinese embroidery techniques was dictated by an experienced embroiderer, Shen Shou, and written down by Zhang Jian. Shen's real name was Xue Jun, and her pen name was Xue Huan. The name Shou was bestowed upon her by Empress Cixi when she presented the empress with an embroidered tapestry of "The Eight Immortals Celebrate Their Birthdays." In 1911, she presented an embroidered portrait to the Italian empress as a national gift. In 1915, her embroidery of a portrait of Jesus won first prize at the Panama Exposition. Shen excelled in embroidery and devoted herself to learning and training.



The Chinese word for embroidery is “Xiu”, a picture or five-color embroidery. It implies beauty and magnificence. For example, the Chinese name for “Gorgeous China” in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, was Jing Xiu Zhonghua. “Jing” is brocade; “Xiu” is embroidery; “Zhonghua” is China. “Xiu” is also part of phrases such as Xiu Lou (embroidery building) and switzerland email list Xiu Qiu (embroidered ball). Embroidery was an elegant pastime for noble ladies who were forbidden to leave the house. Embroidery was a good pastime to which they could devote their intellect and passion. Imagine a beautiful young girl embroidering an exquisite pouch . Stitch by stitch, she embroiders a pair of love birds for her lover. It is a cold winter day, and the room is filled with the scent of incense. What a touching and beautiful picture!

Chinese embroidery has four main traditional styles: Su, Shu, Xiang and Yue. Among the ethnic groups, the Bai, Buyi and Miao are also skilled in embroidery. Their embroidery uses sharp color contrast and primitive design to express a mysterious taste. The embroidered Thangka of the Tibetans shows their passion for religion.