Beijing Embroidery, also known as Palace Embroidery, was usually stitched for the royal court in ancient China. It is considered one of ‘the eight consummate handicrafts of Beijing’. To make an embroidery work, an artist would select an elaborate painting, and then stitch the pattern using needles and colorful threads of silk. The result is a vivid and beautiful pattern on fabric.

During my visit to the Baigong Handicraft Museum, I found a Beijing embroidery shop on the first floor. An elderly man welcomed me immediately upon entering the shop. As we chatted, I realized that he had been making embroideries for 50 years! I can certainly feel his experience in his works.

All embroideries on display were made by him or his apprentices. Each piece usually takes 15 days or so to make, a long, dedicated process indeed.

I found two pieces of empress’ wear (RMB 490) in the style of the Qing Dynasty standing on a showcase. The bright, fine patterns of peonies and phoenixes looked very beautiful. There was also a matching emperor’s dragon robe in stock.

Other items include a variety of hanging embroideries with such patterns as the Great Wall, pandas, flowers, and cranes. Each costs RMB 200. The hand-made children’s tiger-head shoes, each with an embroidered lovely tiger’s head, cost RMB 50 each.

What I appreciated

Exquisite embroidery, emperor’s robe

What customers appreciate

Chinese traditional works of art, fine embroideries