Threads of Love: The Art of Chinese Needlework
An exhibit of Chinese embroidery from the late Qing Dynasty through the early Republican period. Chinese embroidery dates back 2000 years, becoming popular during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE -AD 220) and evolving over the many centuries to become a predominant feature of Chinese textiles. It was not until the Song Dynasty (960-1644 AD) that embroidery transcended adornment for clothing and became incorporated into calligraphy and painting. During the Ming Dynasty embroidery artists became more daring and began using non-silk materials such as lace, paper and even hair. Throughout the dynasties and regions, embroidery has progressed from practical functions to an artistic form, incorporating calligraphy, painting and other mediums to create a diverse genre of art.