91-year-old Chinese artisan passes down traditional embroidery
CULTURE
By Han Jie

2017-05-28 17:00 GMT+8

1855km to Beijing

By CGTN's He Weiwei

"Dong" is one of China's 55 ethnic minorities, with a population less than three million, mainly living in south China.

The ethnic group is renowned for its traditional embroidery, which has long been passed down from one generation to another.

Qin Naishiqing is the reigning master of Dong embroidery in Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County in the southern part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. At the age of 91, she is still capable of cutting paper patterns, which she says is the soul of this handmade art.

Paper cutouts made by 91-year-old Qin Naishiqing. /CGTN photo

“You should be very skillful in embroidery to become good at paper cutting. When you get a piece of paper, you should visualize the patterns in your mind without actually drawing them,” Qin told CGTN.

91-year-old  Qin Naishiqing teaches young girls traditional embroidery. /CGTN photo

Teaching the craft is a family affair, and Qin’s two daughters-in-law usually join her in guiding youngsters. Phoenixes, dragons and flowers are common motifs featured in folk art, which are reproduced on embroidered products.

Dong-style shoes embroidered with phoenix patterns. /CGTN photo

Spiders are at the heart of Dong people's religious beliefs, hence spider flowers, regarded as a symbol of blessing, take up center stage in their embroidery patterns.

Spider flower in the middle of an embroidery pattern. /CGTN photo

Every Dong girl is encouraged to learn the skill at an early age, around 9 or 10 years old. When she ties the knot, she will traditionally receive a whole set of clothes, including a wedding dress, made by her mother. 

Handmade clothes of Dong ethnic group. /CGTN photo

There are now thousands of women in the county engaged in embroidery -- an art form that has remained virtually unchanged over the years. Qin hopes she can help ensure the tradition continues for future generations.

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