Straits Chinese embroidery belongs to the same tradition of needlework in China. The materials were peculiarly Chinese in origin, these being silk threads and silk fabrics for the motifs of the decorative designs and the techniques of stitchery employed. However, the needlework stitched by the Nyonyas themselves, as well as those embroidered artifacts made to Straits Chinese specifications, differed in some significant respects from the handiwork of professional embroiderers in China.
Until now, a detailed study of Straits Chinese embroidery has not been attempted, even though its existence has been known to most students of Straits Chinese culture for a long time. The actual handiwork for the Straits Chinese embroidery of a bygone generation of Nyonyas has become a lost art. There is no possibility that the Nyonyas will ever again revive this graceful pastime.
Pictures below show the example of Straits Chinese embroidered, rectangular silk panels from my collection.
Panel 1
Picture 1
This panel is with designs of peonies and a pair of phoenixes enclosed by gold thread border embellished with tiny floral and foliate motifs. What is remarkable about the ornamental design is that it is entirely executed with fine chain stitches, each loop is no larger than 0.5mm in diameter.
Length: 143cm, Width: 48cm.
Picture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4
Picture 5
Picture 6
Picture 7
Panel 2
Picture 1
This panel is with designs of peonies enclosed by gold thread border embellished with tiny floral and foliate motifs.
Length: 152cm, Width: 41cm.
Picture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4
Picture 5
Picture 6
Picture 7
Until now, a detailed study of Straits Chinese embroidery has not been attempted, even though its existence has been known to most students of Straits Chinese culture for a long time. The actual handiwork for the Straits Chinese embroidery of a bygone generation of Nyonyas has become a lost art. There is no possibility that the Nyonyas will ever again revive this graceful pastime.
Pictures below show the example of Straits Chinese embroidered, rectangular silk panels from my collection.
Panel 1
Picture 1This panel is with designs of peonies and a pair of phoenixes enclosed by gold thread border embellished with tiny floral and foliate motifs. What is remarkable about the ornamental design is that it is entirely executed with fine chain stitches, each loop is no larger than 0.5mm in diameter.
Length: 143cm, Width: 48cm.
Picture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4
Picture 5
Picture 6
Picture 7Panel 2
Picture 1This panel is with designs of peonies enclosed by gold thread border embellished with tiny floral and foliate motifs.
Length: 152cm, Width: 41cm.
Picture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4
Picture 5
Picture 6
Picture 7
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