Do You Know the Development of Embroidery? (part one)

Embroidery has a long history more than 2000 years, it is a technique of embroidering the needles to form the designed pattern on the textiles, we will introduce the development of embroidery in the following.In our daily life, custom embroidery patch can be attached on jacket, jean, hat and so on.

1. Warring States Period and Han Dynasty

The earliest embroidery known by public are two pieces of embroidery unearthed from the Tomb of Changsha in Hunan during the Warring States Period. They were completely embroidered with scorpion strands (lock embroidery) on the silk and Luo, the stitches are neat, the color is elegant, the lines are smooth, the pattern of dragon, tiger and the beast are natural and lively, fully demonstrating the achievements of the embroidery art of Chu State.

Embroidery in the Han Dynasty was unearthed in the Dunhuang Thousand Buddha Caves, the Tomb of Hebei Wulu Chong, the northern part of Inner Mongolia, and the ancient Tomb of Astana in Turpan, Xinjiang. Especially in 1972, a large variety and complete embroidery was unearthed in Mawangdui, Changsha. which helps us to understand the embroidery style of the Han Dynasty. Seen from these embroideries, the motifs of Chinese embroidered are mostly wavy cloud, flying phoenix birds,moving beasts, strip patterns and geometric patterns commonly found in Han Mirror ornamentation. The new essential material used in embroidery is the popular fabric at that time, such as the silk that is woven into auspicious characters “Year of Longevity and Great Life” and “Changle Guangming”.

2. Tang Dynasty

The silk fabrics from the Eastern Jin Dynasty to the Northern Dynasties were unearthed in Dunhuang, Gansu, and in Hetian, Bachu, and Turpan, Xinjiang. The pieces were embroidered with fine lock embroidery regardless of pattern or white space. The  embroideries in Tang Dynasty has a close relationship with the religious art . Among them, there are many Tang embroidered Buddha statues, such as the embroidered book discovered in Dunhuang Thousand Buddha Caves displayed by the British Museum. The Sakyamuni maps of the Nara National Museum are directly related to the belief in the prosperity of Foton. At that time, the embroidery technique still follows the Han Dynasty lock embroidery, but the stitching method has begun to change mainly using flat embroidery, and uses a variety of different stitching methods and multiple color lines. The patterns used in embroidery are closely related to painting. In addition to the Buddha figures in the Tang Dynasty, landscapes and flowers are also prospering. Therefore, Buddha figures, landscapes, flowers and birds have also become embroidery patterns, with vivid composition and bright colors.

The embroidery before Tang Dynasty is mostly used for practical and decorative purposes. The content is related to the needs and customs of life. In the Song Dynasty, in addition to practical supplies, they are especially devoted to embroidery painting. Since the Jin and Tang Dynasties, the literati have loved calligraphy and painting. The paintings were the highest artistic expressions at that time.In Song Dynasty, the style of painting directly affected the style of embroidery.

3. Song Dynasty

The development of embroidery in the Song Dynasty was promoted by the imperial court at that time. According to "Song History Officials", Embroidery Institute was in charge of embroidery In the palace. During the Huizong period, there was also an institute of embroidered paintings, which made the embroidered paintings into landscapes, pavilions, figures, flowers and birds. Therefore, the famous embroiderers came out one after another, making the paintings reach the highest level.

Our company provide all kinds of custom embroidery patches,  such as rose embroidery patch, fish embroidery patch,security embroidered patch,large embroidered tiger patch,cherry blossom embroidery patch and so on if you are interested, welcome to contact us. Design your own embroidered patch!