Basic Introduction to Ou Embroidery
Ou Embroidery, also known as painted curtains, is a traditional local art from Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, produced in the Oujian region; it is also one of the four specialties of “three carvings and one embroidery” in Zhejiang Province, developed from traditional Chinese embroidery. It is listed among the four famous embroideries in China, alongside Hunan embroidery (Xiang), Suzhou embroidery (Su), and Sichuan embroidery (Shu). Ou embroidery is one of China's export-name embroideries, not only collected by the state but also given as national gifts, earning it the moniker of “embroidery diplomacy.” There are many varieties, including various paintings and hanging screens, as well as practical items like tablecloths, costumes for operas, pillowcases, and bedspread covers. The subjects depicted include figures, landscapes, flowers, and animals, with over 1,000 different patterns and designs.
Product Features
Wenzhou, situated on the banks of the Oujian River, hence its name, also known as “Wen embroidery,” is a second-batch national intangible cultural heritage. Makers scrape the green outer layer off bamboo, then slice and boil it to extract fibers which are woven into bamboo curtains. They then use dyes or colored threads to create works featuring flowers, birds, landscapes, and figures. The most distinctive feature of Ou embroidery is its diverse stitching techniques and meticulous craftsmanship. For instance, in the “Pine Eagle Picture,” a single eagle is crafted using more than ten different stitching methods, including fan stitch, cut stitch, and flat stitch, and employs various types of threads that differ in texture, thickness, and color. The compositions are concise, the threads clearly defined, the stitches neat and orderly, and the stitching techniques varied. The embroidered surface is bright and pleasing to the eye, with harmonious colors that bring out the liveliness of animal feathers, while figures and orchids are rendered with great skill and spirit. Its stylistic characteristics are “prominent themes, vivid colors, concise compositions, and distinct embroidery textures.” It has a strong decorative quality and local style. Its production method involves scraping the green outer layer off bamboo, slicing and boiling it to extract fibers, weaving them into a bamboo curtain, and then creating works using dyes and colored threads. The stitching techniques include broken stitch, roll stitch, and random stitch, among more than twenty others. In ancient times, young girls in Wenzhou would start learning embroidery at the age of eleven or twelve, following a long-standing tradition of fine needlework.
Historical Folklore
Ou embroidery originated over a thousand years ago during the Tang Dynasty with brocade garments and flourished during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In the third year of the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty (1853), professional embroidery shops were established in Wenzhou. Initially, they mainly produced embroidered official robes, dragon robes, longevity screens, and temple decorations featuring figures, flowers, and landscapes. Later, the range of products expanded to include pillowcases, bedspread covers, and clothing materials. During the Guangxu period, Ou embroidery was exported to Europe, America, and Southeast Asia. In 1917, there was a significant increase in exports, with over five hundred artisans involved at the peak. In 1916 (the fifth year of the Republic of China), a embroidery bureau was set up in Wenzhou, and embroidery societies were established in areas such as Fuchang Street, Wuma Street, and Daloqiao in the city. Early arts and crafts experts Cai Moxiao and Jin Jingzhi's embroidery works were exhibited in Panama, Canada, and the United States. In 1922, embroidery artisan Lin Senyou improved Ou embroidery production, transforming it into an art form for appreciation. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Wenzhou City Embroidery Society was established in the urban area, gathering talent and expanding production to a considerable scale. Ou embroidery is characterized by ingenious composition and strict stitching techniques, reflecting a strong regional style. In 1957, renowned painter Su Meishuo began designing figure embroideries for Ou embroidery. In 1960, Wenzhou took on the task of producing national gifts, specializing in high-quality pieces, elevating Ou embroidery to a high artistic level. During the Cultural Revolution in China, Ou embroidery began to decline.
Awards and Honors
In 1988 and 1999, Ou embroidery representatives participated twice in the World Expo on behalf of the Ou embroidery art community.
In 2001, the work “Jinyu Yingchun” was exhibited at the Hangzhou West Lake Expo, winning the gold award at the Second China Arts and Crafts Masters' Works and Arts and Crafts Fine Products Expo.
In 2006, it was recognized as a provincial arts and crafts master of Ou embroidery, which dates back over a thousand years to the Tang Dynasty's brocade garments. It flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties when it was primarily used for temple decorations.
In the third year of the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty (1853), professional embroidery shops first opened in Wenzhou.
In 1922, Wenzhou embroidery artisan Lin Senyou improved the production of Ou embroidery, after which it became an art form for appreciation.
In 1957, renowned painter Su Meishuo began designing figure embroideries for Ou embroidery.
In 1960, Wenzhou took on the task of producing national gifts, specializing in high-quality pieces, elevating Ou embroidery to a high artistic level.