 Yue
embroidery is the oldest of the four most famous Chinese
embroidery styles. Yue embroidery is sometimes called Cantonese embroidery
because of its origins in the Guangdong province (the heart
of Canton China). Dating
back several centuries, the designs produced with this style
are complicated and have a variety of stylistic accents to
draw attention to the central subject. It is also a style marked by smooth embroidery, with very
little of the three dimensional texturing found in other
styles. With
bright colors and a variety of different threads used, Yue
embroidery is perhaps the most eclectic of the four major
Chinese embroidery styles, and it is still produced and
widely available today.
The style
developed and matured during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.)
more than 1,000 years ago, and is said to have originated
from the work of an ethnic minority group in the Guangdong
area. The style
was quickly adopted by many artisans, having undergone many
changes and refinements during the intervening years.
There has also been supposition that Yue embroidery
was developed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). However,
it is more likely that the style enjoyed resurgence in
popularity during this period, since pieces produced in the
Yue style have been found which predate the Ming Dynasty.
Yue
embroidered pieces can be done on silk or cotton.
Early Chinese Yue artisans used peacock feathers,
which had been twisted together as their thread, and this
uniquely colorful material is still used as an accenting
thread and as a way to blend separate objects in the design
together. Another
unique thread used is made from the tail of the horse; this
coarse material is used to stitch an outline to the piece,
which invites the eye to linger on the patterns, colors, and
objects, making up the main design.
This main design may be produced with either silk or
cotton threads, and often features multiple objects or
animals such as birds or dragons.
Although Yue
embroidery is smooth, Yue crafters sometimes use gold and
silver thread to create a three dimensional impression in
their designs. As
Yue embroidery has developed, it has often borrowed
stylistic elements from other Chinese embroidery styles.
Yue embroidery can also be sub-categorized into the
Guang and Chao styles.
These two styles are considered a part of the Yue
embroidery "family" and have their own distinct
stitching techniques.
The Yue
embroidery style is rich and vibrant, and includes many
different colors and patterns.
It is one of the most eclectic of styles, and yet the
works produced are intricate and unbelievably detailed.
While older pieces are highly prized by collectors,
modern Yue pieces add color and interest to any home.
Yue embroidery has been used in many different ways,
in pieces ranging from bridal gowns to wall hangings.
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