Yi embroidery in Yunnan is one of the most ancient traditional handicrafts representing national and ethnic culture of the Yi people. Embroidery is a folk art that uses needles and colored thread to decorate fabric. The Yi art form embodies a sense of the harmony between man and nature. And it reflects Yi people’s way of life, is an expression of their personality and personal tastes in design and fashion.
China was the first country to weave silk. Silk threads were used to decorate costumes soon after the domestication of silk worms 5,000 years ago. Embroidery developed into a fine art that grew into many diverse styles.
During the Qin and Han dynasties, embroidery and silk were the principal commodities that were transported along the Silk Road, the ancient trade route that connected China to the Near East.
There are four main styles of embroidery practiced in China, including Su embroidery (Su Xiu) in eastern China’s Jiangsu Province, Xiang embroidery (Xiang Xiu) in central China’s Hunan Province, Yue embroidery (Yue Xiu) in southern China’s Guangdong Province and Shu embroidery (Shu Xiu) in western China’s Sichuan Province.
Beside the four main styles of embroidery there are also ethnic embroidery styles, such as Yi, Miao, Bai and Zang etc. Yi style embroidery is one of the most popular styles.
There are more than 8 million Yi people in China, living primarily in the rural and mountainous regions. Over the ages Yi embroidery has developed its own unique style, reflecting its environment and culture. The pictures portrayed by the embroidery are usually flowers or animals, such as tigers or birds. Often they are natural designs and bold, contrasting colors. The styles vary among the different branches of the Yi population across China, along with their varying styles of clothing, lifestyles, geographic conditions and climate.
The Yi people employ various styles of stitching to create a great variety of effects, using symbols and mascots to portray concepts and principles such as triumph over evil, fertility or life without beginning or end.
A boldly designed embroidery of an inspiring symbol on a piece of clothing one wears resonates and generates energy whenever it is seen.
Authentic, hand-made Yi embroidery can be purchased in many Yi villages in the mountainous rural regions of Yunnan province. One good place to purchase Yi embroidery and experience Yi culture is in Yi Nationality Village south of Kunming. Another possibility is Nuohei Village - A village of Yi people in Yunnan.
Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City
