The panel is made in the technique of embroidery on silk. On a light gray background, two mandarin ducks are depicted standing in a small clearing among grass, roses and reeds. Their backs are covered with multi-colored feathers, their eyes are half-closed, as if the ducks are resting before a long journey. Two small birds perched on a twig and closely watch the mandarin ducks. The composition is framed in a dark green cardboard passe-partout and inserted into a frame under plexiglass.
The East has always been famous for its ancient traditions. The Chinese embroidery technique, also called Suzhou, is more than two thousand years old. Despite such an impressive history, Europeans learned about it only in the 20th century. Since China is rightfully considered the birthplace of silk, it is not surprising that it began to be used in needlework. Chinese embroidery is satin stitch embroidery, i.e. silk threads on silk fabric. A double-sided stitching is used, so the picture looks the same from both sides.
Suzhou is called a paradise. The city stands on a large lake in the Yangtze River Delta; Marco Polo called it the Venice of China. The city is built up with structures of traditional architecture, there are more than 70 gardens and parks. The combination of canals, bridges, temples, old houses and quiet streets surrounded by greenery gives Suzhou a magical look. The people living in it cherish this capital of the ancient and medieval kingdoms.
It is this city that is considered the birthplace of the wonderful art of special silk embroidery. One must possess masterly skill to be able to embroider a picture on both sides of the canvas. The sea of shades and fine threads of silk help to create incredibly realistic images. In simple work, about 30 shades can be used, and works with many details can be performed using thousands of colors.
In the traditional version, the embroiderer creates work on the fabric using contour images. Usually the background is chosen dark, and the threads are bright. They are separated to achieve the desired effect. For the Chinese, it is extremely important what exactly will be depicted, since the culture of this people is filled with multiple symbols.
The most popular embroidery pattern is nature or stories from myths and legends. It can take several months or even a year to create one canvas. But there are also works on which the masters have been working for several years. Today, Chinese embroidery is known all over the world. Exhibitions are organized to admire its beauty. Famous museums own the works by embroiderers from the Middle Kingdom.
The panel was received by the Amur Regional Museum of Local Lore in 1958 from the Amur Regional Executive Committee.
The East has always been famous for its ancient traditions. The Chinese embroidery technique, also called Suzhou, is more than two thousand years old. Despite such an impressive history, Europeans learned about it only in the 20th century. Since China is rightfully considered the birthplace of silk, it is not surprising that it began to be used in needlework. Chinese embroidery is satin stitch embroidery, i.e. silk threads on silk fabric. A double-sided stitching is used, so the picture looks the same from both sides.
Suzhou is called a paradise. The city stands on a large lake in the Yangtze River Delta; Marco Polo called it the Venice of China. The city is built up with structures of traditional architecture, there are more than 70 gardens and parks. The combination of canals, bridges, temples, old houses and quiet streets surrounded by greenery gives Suzhou a magical look. The people living in it cherish this capital of the ancient and medieval kingdoms.
It is this city that is considered the birthplace of the wonderful art of special silk embroidery. One must possess masterly skill to be able to embroider a picture on both sides of the canvas. The sea of shades and fine threads of silk help to create incredibly realistic images. In simple work, about 30 shades can be used, and works with many details can be performed using thousands of colors.
In the traditional version, the embroiderer creates work on the fabric using contour images. Usually the background is chosen dark, and the threads are bright. They are separated to achieve the desired effect. For the Chinese, it is extremely important what exactly will be depicted, since the culture of this people is filled with multiple symbols.
The most popular embroidery pattern is nature or stories from myths and legends. It can take several months or even a year to create one canvas. But there are also works on which the masters have been working for several years. Today, Chinese embroidery is known all over the world. Exhibitions are organized to admire its beauty. Famous museums own the works by embroiderers from the Middle Kingdom.
The panel was received by the Amur Regional Museum of Local Lore in 1958 from the Amur Regional Executive Committee.
