Chinese embroidery

Simple Chinese embroidery decoration was customarily worked on wool, linen, and hemp cloth from Neolithic period. It was never classified as a solely female activity and men and women have both been involved in embroidery. The items embroidered are quite diverse and include robes, theatrical costumes, purses, shoes, spectacle cases, banners, alter cloths and many other pieces. Some of the pieces were so finely stitched that the pieces took 5-6 people several years to complete. Following are four kinds of techniques often used in Chinese embroidery.