Hubei Han embroidery first originated from the ancient Chu region along the Yangtze River now known as Central China. It is mainly produced in Wuhan County and has a history of over two thousand years. This stunning folk art has influenced many other traditional Chinese embroidery and brocade styles. Its original designs and techniques set it apart from other genres of embroidery.

A single piece of Han embroidery can take months to finish depending on its level of complexity, size and the artist’s skill. Conception, design, painting, colour-matching, embroidering and mounting are all important processes which take a lot of time and effort to successfully create a magnificent piece of Han embroidery.

Many Han embroidery artworks feature flowers, characters from Buddhist sutras and Chinese characters such as well-being, high rank, longevity and happiness. Geometric patterns such as lines, lattices and circles combine to create distinctive, unique designs.

The origin of Han embroidery can be traced back to the Chu kingdom in the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). It flourished within the Hubei province in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) where craftsmen from this province were entitled the honour of making embroidered robes for the imperial family.

In 1910, Han embroidery won first place at the Nanyang Match. It was also awarded a gold medal at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915. It has become a recognizable textile art around the world and is sought after by many art collectors and world museums and exhibitions as stunning examples of Chinese embroidery.

There are currently thirty-two embroidery shops specializing in Han embroidery within Wuhan City. They are all located on a single street near the Wanshou Palace which has come to be known as “Embroidery Street”.

Hubei Han embroidery is known for its elaborate designs, bold and contrasting colours and delicate stitching. There are still many craftsmen who are dedicated to uncovering the lost stitches which have been forgotten from ancient times. The intricate skills and original techniques used to create Han embroidery are being taught to new craftsmen willing to learn the ancient art form. The survival of this amazing ancient folk art depends on the future generation to continue learning and creating beautiful Han embroidery.