Chongqing - The "Listen to Chongqing" event recently occurred in the Chongqing High-Tech Zone, emerging as a vibrant center for cultural heritage with 34  intangible cultural heritage projects. International students from Chongqing Jiaotong University attended the event to hear from Li Fei, an inheritor of Bafu embroidery, who shared insights into the history and significance of Shu embroidery.

When they entered Li's studio in Bafu Town, they were greeted by an array of Shu embroidery masterpieces. The walls were adorned with charming depictions of pandas, sturdy bamboo, and captivating landscapes of lakes and mountains, each piece reflecting its own unique charm and artistic depth. Agnes, an international student from Indonesia at Chongqing Jiaotong University, remarked on the beauty of the artwork.

Li Fei's studio in Bafu Town, Chongqing High-Tech Industrial Development Zone. (Photo/CINC)

Li explained that Shu embroidery, also known as Sichuan embroidery, is a traditional Chinese craft where silk threads are used to stitch intricate patterns onto silk and other fabrics. This art form is one of China's longest-standing embroidery traditions. In the Sichuan-Chongqing area, Shu embroidery is split into two styles: Western Sichuan embroidery and Eastern Sichuan embroidery. From a craftsmanship perspective, the embroidery from Western Sichuan stands out for its delicacy and elegance, whereas the embroidery from Eastern Sichuan boasts a bolder and more adventurous style. The Bafu embroidery is a prime example of the Eastern Sichuan tradition.

"How long does it typically take to complete a piece like this?" asked Zahir Barakat, a Moroccan student at Chongqing Jiaotong University, pointing to the artwork beside him.

This piece, titled 'Flying Apsaras,' took nearly four years to embroider from start to finish. (Photo/CINC)

"This piece, titled 'Flying Apsaras,' took nearly four years to embroider from start to finish. It's one of the artworks I'm most proud of." Li said that the intricacy and complexity of a high-quality Shu embroidery piece go far beyond what one might imagine. Needle techniques alone encompass over 12 major categories and more than 120 types. These techniques must be used in combination, offering a rich variety of applications. Practitioners need to approach them with focus and patience, as perfecting this art is a slow and meticulous process. "To craft a beautiful embroidery piece, I often spend an entire day on it. I repeat the needle threading and stitching thousands of times each day."

In her studio, a makeup mirror embellished with Shu embroidery captivated the Russian host, Xiao Meng. "Large embroidery pieces are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and pricey. To make Shu embroidery more accessible in daily life, I began incorporating it into everyday small items." As she spoke, Li showcased a fascinating range of creative items to the guests, including bookmarks, small brooches, fans, Bluetooth speakers, light fixtures, and screens.

This innovative venture brought surprising gains to Li. "Our Shu embroidery products are enjoying booming sales and are now exported to countries like Algeria and Australia." Furthermore, the simple designs and delicate embroidery have ignited a "Shu embroidery wave," giving many housewives in and around Bafu Town a chance to earn extra income.

In 2014, Li opened her own Shu embroidery studio and started offering embroidery classes. Since 2016, with the support of the Bafu Town Government and local schools, Li has brought Shu embroidery classes to Bafu Middle School and Bafu Primary School. "To pass down Shu embroidery to future generations, we need to make sure more people know about it and fall in love with it. Bringing Shu embroidery into everyday life and work is essential," she said.

Agnes and Zahir Barakat began learning the intricate arts of threading and stitching. (Photo/CINC)

Agnes and Zahir Barakat picked up the embroidery needles and began learning the intricate arts of threading and stitching under Li's guidance. "It was incredibly challenging! My hands were trembling with nerves, and I just couldn't get it right. But it was an unforgettable experience that made me cherish and respect this traditional craft even more," Agnes said.

At the end of this event, Professor Wang Yongqiang said, "As new technologies, forms, and techniques keep emerging, preserving traditional techniques means encouraging more young people to take up embroidery. By actively exploring the "Intangible Cultural Heritage+" model, we can uncover the value of cultural tourism projects and souvenirs, promote the integration of Shu embroidery with various sectors, and breathe new life into intangible cultural heritage, allowing it to gain international prominence."