Embroidery
Embroidery, also known as "needlework," is a traditional handicraft that involves using a needle and colorful threads to create patterns or characters on fabric. This craft became popular alongside the production and development of silk fabrics. There are many different techniques used in embroidery, with dozens of needlework styles available, each producing its own unique stitching and artistic effects.
Records show that over 4,000 years ago, people were already painting and embroidering on clothing. The earliest surviving ex- amples of Chinese embroidery are from the Shang Dynasty (1600- 1046 B.C.) and were discovered in Henan Province; they display a high level of craftsmanship. During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), especially during the reign of Emperor Huizong (1082-1135), embroidery reached its pinnacle when calligraphy and painting were fused with embroidery to create unique ornamental works. The Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) saw the rise of the four famous embroidery styles - Su embroidery from Jiangsu, Yue embroidery from Guangdong, Xiang embroidery from Hunan, and Shu embroidery from Sichuan - which gained in popularity with the development of commerce. Among these, Su embroidery is the best-known. In addition to the four famous embroidery styles, there are also other local styles such as Jing embroidery, Lu embroidery, and Bian embroidery. Additionally, many ethnic minorities have their unique styles of embroidery. Using needles as pens and threads as ink and showcasing the distinctive charm of Chinese classical aesthetics, embroidery displays exquisite workmanship and has been passed down through the centuries.
刺绣
刺绣俗称“绣花”，即用绣针引彩线，在织物上绣成纹样或文字的一种传统手工艺。刺绣随着丝织品的产生与发展逐渐兴起。刺绣针法共有几十种，采用不同的针法会有不同的线条组织和独特的艺术表现效果。
据记载，4000多年前就有在衣裳上绘画和刺绣的做法。在河南发现的商代刺绣实物，是中国现存最早的刺绣工艺品，已经达到相当高的工艺水平。刺绣在宋代达到高峰，宋徽宗（1082-1135）时期将书画艺术融入刺绣工艺之中，形成独特的观赏性刺绣作品。明清时期，随着商业发展，江苏的苏绣、广东的粤绣、湖南的湘绣、四川的蜀绣四大门类广受欢迎，被称为“四大名绣”，其中以苏绣最负盛名。除了四大名绣，中国还有京绣、鲁绣、汴绣等地方名绣，许多少数民族也都有自己特色的民族刺绣。刺绣以针为笔，以线为墨，做工精美，沿传至今，展现着中国古典美学的独特魅力。
