Miao Embroidery: A History Book Worn by People

Miao Embroidery: A History Book Worn by People

Miao embroidery is a representative craft of the Miao ethnic group. It was included in China's first list of national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. More importantly, it is hailed as "a history book worn by people". The Miao people have no written language, so embroidery is said to be a way to record the history of the ethnic group's migration.

Legend has it that a female leader named Lanjuan came up with the way of recording migration history with colored lines or symbols. On their wedding days, Miao girls would put on costumes they have embroidered with patterns about the ethnic group's migration history.

Miao embroidery features varied needlework as well as bold and bright colors. Today, it is well combined with fashion design to turn out more diversified products that are introduced to the world and even appear in Paris's fashion shows, known as "Haute Couture Hidden in the Mountains". In addition to artistic charm, Miao embroidery has also become an important source of income. Countless female embroiderers have lifted themselves out of poverty through this ancient craft.

穿在身上的史书--苗绣

苗族刺绣是苗族的手工艺代表,2006年被列入中国第一批国家级非物质文化遗产名录。更重要的是,它被称为“穿在身上的史书”。苗族是没有文字的民族,苗绣成为一种记载民族迁徙历史的方式。

传说,有位叫兰娟的女首领想出了用彩线或符号标记迁徙经历的办法,就这样从衣领到裤脚绣满各种花纹,苗女出嫁都会亲手绣制盛装,将本民族的迁徙历史穿在身上。

在艺术上,苗绣有自己独特的技法,针法丰富多变;色彩强烈夸张,而又古朴艳丽。如今,苗绣和时尚嫁接,产品更加多元化,走向世界甚至登上巴黎时装秀舞台,被称为“藏在深山里的高级定制”。除了艺术上的魅力,指尖上的技艺还成为指尖上的经济。无数绣娘通过这种古老的手工制作艺术摆脱了贫困。