Stitches Of Life
Marian Teo talks to those who pursue and embrace Han embroidery into their lives and how they strive to make a difference with it.
I
n China’s society today, the gulf between the rich and the poor is vast. With a nine-tier class structure that separates the top from the bottom, prejudice against those who earn less is prominent. As such, many are fixated on climbing up the hierarchy ladder.
However, some believe that a life worth living is a life devoted to pursuing one’s passion. Those who have a passion for Han Embroidery, a traditional craft that originated from the Hubei Province, embraces this alternative lifestyle.
Han Embroidery has a unique form of stitching - “flat gold embroidery”, which incorporates distinct gradation and strong contrast in colours. It adapts seven different stitching methods such as weaving and paving, to achieve lively exquisite patterns.
Be it making a difference in others' lives or preserving the tradition, they are willing to dedicate years to master the intricate sewing patterns through stitching. Despite this being an unconventional route of life that may not be approved by the society, they remain steadfast in their conviction. Passionate Han embroiders believe that it is an art form that should be passed down from generation to generation.
“ I feel a sense of responsibility to let more
people know that this is Chinese culture
and identity. It should continue to exist in
years to come, ”
- Chen Hui, 49, President of the Hubei Han
Embroidery Association.
As such, this led to the formation of the Hubei Han Embroidery Association in 2018. The Association conducts classes to teach the locals of all ages on how to embroider.
The President of the Association, Chen Hui (陈慧), 49, is a third-generation embroider. Brought up in a family of embroiderers, Chen Hui was exposed to and encouraged to pick up stitching since a young age.
Having had the opportunity to discover the beauty of this craft, she wants to be able to help others learn and appreciate Han Embroidery as well. Just like how her parents passed down this tradition to her, Chen Hui hopes that the Association can pass the torch to the next generation.
“I feel a sense of responsibility to let more people know that this is Chinese culture and identity. It should continue to exist in years to come,” she said.
Her mother, Yang Chun Mei (杨春梅), 72, is a second-generation embroider and one of the teachers at Hubei Han Embroidery Association. Even though she is retired and can spend the rest of her days relaxing, she is more than willing to teach and impart the skills of embroidery to her students.
With over thirty students and four of them becoming her disciples, it is evident that she has helped others to discover their passion for Han Embroidery.
“I want to continue to inspire my students, to help them see the beauty in it and appreciate this culture,” she mentioned.
Other than simply teaching, teachers are able to inspire and motivate students. In turn, encouraging them to plan to embark on the same path.
“She helped me realise how beautiful Han Embroidery is. One simple flower takes a lot of effort to create but the end product is worth it. There’s so much history behind this that it makes me proud,” said Wei Ya (伟雅), 25, a student of hers.
“ I don’t earn anything from them, being
able to help them feel more included in
society is good enough for me. ”
As for her current plans to promote this art form, Yang Chun Mei and a few other teachers are currently working on a sixteen-metre long embroidery. Modelling after a historical art piece of the Chinese landscape, different teachers will work on different parts of it.
They plan to donate it to the Hubei Han Embroidery Museum in the hopes of preserving this tradition.
The Association uses Han Embroidery to help the disabled develop skills as well. Believing that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, the disabled are not only taught the basics but are also taught how to stitch on everyday items such as bookmarks and pouches. These items are then sold for charity and none of the money goes back to the Association.
Chen Hui cites helping the disabled find a purpose and their confidence as one of her biggest achievements.
“ I don’t earn anything from them, being able to help them feel more included in society is good enough for me,” she said.
If you would like to try Han Embroidery:
Head down to Qing Shan Qu Hong Se Wu Ye (青山区红色物业) Community Centre in Wuchang. They offer lessons on Han Embroidery and the friendly teachers will be willing to let you try.
Tip: Visit on weekdays as the teachers will not be around on weekends!
If you would like to buy pieces done by the Hubei Han Embroidery Association:
Head down to their coffee shop, Chu Feng Cafe (楚凤咖啡), located in Tan Hua Lane, which sells pieces ranging from bookmarks to pouches and scarfs.
Nearest Metro station: Line 2 Pangxiejia (螃蟹夹), Exit A2.
Bookmarks embroidered by the disabled.
