In Shaoguan's Shixing County, the Hakka embroidery tradition stands as a vital part of Hakka culture and an integral component of China's traditional embroidery heritage. Chi Yuefei, a skilled inheritor of Hakka embroidery craftsmanship in the town of Luoba, Shixing County, has passionately dedicated herself to preserving this ancient and intricate art.
Hakka embroidery from Shixing has earned recognition as one of the ninth batch of county-level intangible cultural heritage representative projects. In the village of Dashui, Luoba, our reporter met Chi Yuefei, who was diligently embroidering on her frame. Welcoming the reporter, she enthusiastically introduced her embroidered pieces.
Chi Yuefei's creations include not only embroidered shoes but also bed curtains, door curtains, and even tiger-head hats for children. Each piece exhibits exquisite craftsmanship, featuring patterns of birds, animals, flowers, and insects, reflecting the authentic and imaginative essence of Hakka culture.
Explaining Hakka embroidery, Chi Yuefei highlighted its unique craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and distinctive design style that portray the Hakka people's resilience, collective wisdom, and aspirations for a better life. Apart from conventional embroidery techniques, Hakka embroidery also incorporates a unique style called "chuo chuo xiu" (戳戳绣), or"poking embroidery."
"Poking embroidery is viewed from the reverse side but embroidered from the front, enhancing its vivid colors," Chi Yuefei explained. Having developed a passion for embroidery since childhood, she considers Hakka embroidery a heritage passed down through generations, a heartfelt form of communication.
Despite societal changes discouraging many from practicing embroidery, Chi Yuefei, fearing the loss of Hakka embroidery, took up the needle again. While recognized as an inheritor of Hakka embroidery, she remains unsatisfied, actively participating in heritage exhibitions and learning exchanges to broaden her perspective and enhance her skills. Her ultimate goal is to transform the "fingertip skill" into a "fingertip economy," turning her hobby into a thriving industry.
Source: Yangcheng Evening News
