China : Charm of Beijing embroidery continues

Embroidery is one of the eight gems of Beijing handicrafts, which also include rug making, woodwork, jade and ivory carving. Seventy year old Yao Fuying is one of the traditional craftsmen in the field of Beijing embroidery, who started learning the art when he was 16.

He informed that Beijing embroidery, which is tidy with fine stitches, was initially made for royal families. Its charisma is still alive as culture of many decades has been preserved.

It has four prominent colours which include black for suspense, yellow for strength, red for luck and blue for nobility. Each art work is splendid and rich, having its own importance.

Official rank in ancient empires is represented by ‘Bu Zi’ embellishments on a dress. Birds stand for smooth writing of scholars, beasts for bravery of soldiers, cranes for high scholars, dragons for kings and phoenixes for queens.

Present generation isn’t much interested in learning this art owing to materials being very expensive and the weary procedures involved. Palace Museum and Beijing Art Museum showcase genuine Beijing embroidery.