Check in the treasure museum - Chengdu Shu Jin Embroidery Museum

Number of days: 1 day
Time: October
Average cost: 10 yuan
With whom: parent-child
Updated: 2024.10.16

First meeting

few years ago, when I saw the loom posted by netizens, I planted grass all of a sudden.

Shuttling through the streets and alleys of Chengdu , in addition to food and leisurely rhythm of life, there is also a hidden gem - Chengdu Shu Jin Embroidery Museum, which not only shows the thousand-year-old elegance of Shu Jin Shu embroidery, but also an excellent place to experience traditional culture.

Museum Introduction

Chengdu Shu Jin Embroidery Museum is a national third-level museum, the largest Shu brocade embroidery cultural inheritance base and research center in the country, and the only professional venue in the country with a full set of handmade Shu brocade production technology and Shu brocade history and culture display.

Chengdu Shu Embroidery Museum has a rich collection of cultural relics; The basic exhibition is divided into six parts: the origin of silk, Shu brocade in the past dynasties, the history of embroidery, Ming and Qing costumes, the evolution of looms, and Shu brocade skills. With the richness of its collection and the details of its content, it tells the grand occasion of the thousand-year-old splendid culture.

There is a large-scale Shu brocade weaving workshop in the museum, where the national representative inheritors of Shu brocade and their teams live demonstrate the handmade Shu brocade production process of the Qing Dynasty Daoguang Nian Small Hualou Wooden Loom; At the same time, there is also a Shu embroidery skills exhibition hall, where the son of the first national arts and crafts master of Shu embroidery in New China , the art master of China's industrial and art industry and his team will display the stitch skills of Shu embroidery on the spot.

Curator's Message

Chengdu Shu Jin Embroidery Museum is currently the only museum in China that specializes in Shu brocade and traditional weaving techniques, and the museum was built on the site of the former Chengdu Shu brocade factory with a history of nearly 70 years and opened to the public in 2009. The exhibition of the Chengdu Shu Brocade Embroidery Museum is divided into five parts:

first , the origin of Chinese Shu brocade; second, the classic patterns of Shu brocade throughout the ages; third, the historical introduction and representative works of Shu embroidery; fourth, ancient Chinese costumes - focusing on the Ming and Qing dynasties; Fifth, the evolution of textile machinery and the living demonstration of Shu brocade and Shu embroidery.

If you want to learn more about the production process of Shu brocade and Shu embroidery, you can enter the production workshop of "Shu brocade hand-weaving skills" and "Shu embroidery traditional embroidery skills" to visit the whole process from mulberry silk to Shu brocade and Shu embroidery production. "Shu brocade weaving skills" and "Shu embroidery" production techniques are the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage. The project called " Chinese Silkworm Silk Weaving Skills" has been included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and "Shu Jin Weaving Skills" is among them.

Chengdu Shu Brocade Embroidery Museum is a thematic museum, focusing on the research, reproduction, restoration and collection of Shu brocade and related costumes; A living display of weaving, embroidery and related skills. In the exhibition hall on the first floor of the museum, you can see related Shu brocade and Shu embroidery crafts, collections and cultural and creative products. Through the visit to the museum, you can learn about the origin of " Jincheng" and "Jinguancheng", the only city named after "Jincheng" in the country, and the long and splendid history of Chengdu , a famous historical and cultural city!

Double-sided embroidery at the door

have only seen it on TV or mobile phones before, but this time I saw it live, the craftsmanship is really amazing~ I will only wow if I am uneducated!!

Double-sided embroidery in Shu embroidery is one of its most unique skills, and it is known for its superb technology and aesthetic value. Double-sided embroidery, also known as "two-sided light", on a piece of substrate, through special stitching techniques, embroidered the effect of the same pattern on the front and back sides and the opposite color, both sides can be appreciated, reaching the artistic realm of "needle instead of pen, thread instead of ink".

During the production process of double-sided embroidery, embroiderers need to carefully design patterns, control the fineness and uniformity of stitches, and ensure that the patterns on both sides can achieve harmony and unity in color, texture and line. The difficulty of this embroidery method is that the embroiderer must consider the effect of both sides at the same time, without the slightest deviation, and if the stitches on either side are not handled properly, it will affect the overall effect.

the continuous development and innovation of double-sided embroidery, the technique of double-sided embroidery has developed from the initial same color and picture to the "three different embroidery" of different colors, special shapes and strange colors, that is, different colors, patterns and styles on the front and back sides, which requires embroidery tools to have higher artistic attainments and technical accuracy. In the double-sided embroidery of Shu embroidery, embroiderers often combine a variety of stitches such as halo needles, cutting needles, and sand needles to make the patterns of embroidery more three-dimensional and vivid, and the color layers are richer.

Representative works of Shu embroidery double-sided embroidery include "Hibiscus Koi Picture", "Panda", etc., which not only show the exquisite skills of Shu embroidery, but also reflect the inheritance and innovation of Shu embroidery artists to traditional culture. As part of China's intangible cultural heritage, Shu embroidery double-sided embroidery has received great attention from the state and all sectors of society.

Small Hualou Wood Loom (Qing Daoguang period)

Video introduction in the exhibition hall

The

negative floor is the exhibition hall, and as soon as you go down the stairs, you can see the introduction of Shu embroidery on the big screen, which increases the knowledge link

The development process of Shu brocade

During the

Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, Shu brocade began to rise , with vivid patterns, exquisite weaving, It is known for its bright colors.

Han Dynasty: Shu brocade production reached its first peak, and Chengdu became the center of brocade weaving, with brocade officials supervising the production, called "Jinguan City". The patterns of Shu brocade are mainly auspicious birds and auspicious beasts running freely in the clouds, such as dragons and tigers, warding off evil spirits, unicorns, etc., and inscriptions with auspicious meanings are woven.

Tang Dynasty: Shu brocade production entered its heyday, with a wide variety and exquisite craftsmanship, and was exported to Japan , Persia and other countries.During the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Dou Shilun created a new pattern for Shu brocade, which was later called "Lingyang Gongshang", representing the highest level of ancient silk weaving skills.

Song and Yuan dynasties: Shu brocade has more innovation and development on the basis of inheriting the Han and Tang styles. In the Song Dynasty, Chengdu silk weaving production and silkworm trade were developed, and the silkworm market and brocade market became more prosperous. In the Yuan Dynasty, in line with the Mongolian aristocracy's pursuit of gold, Shu brocade produced brocade that used gold thread to display patterns.

Ming and Qing dynasties: At the end of the Ming Dynasty, Shu brocade production was severely damaged, and it was not until the political situation of the Qing Dynasty was stable that Shu brocade was slowly restored. In the middle and late Qing Dynasty, the silk weaving industry in Jiangnan rose, and Shu brocade began to turn from prosperity to decline.

20th century: With the development of industrialization, handlooms were gradually replaced by modern looms, and Shu brocade showed a trend of shrinking and decline.In 2006, Shu brocade weaving skills were included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage lists, and began to be protected and passed on

Other Shu brocade embroidery displays in the exhibition hall

The

uniqueness of Shu brocade

Rich patterns: Shu brocade has prosperous patterns, fine weaves, elegant color matching, and national characteristics and local styles.

Diverse varieties: Traditional varieties include rain silk brocade, square brocade, floor brocade, loose flower brocade, Huanhua brocade, ethnic brocade, colorful brocade, etc.

Exquisite craftsmanship: The production process of Shu brocade is complex, including multiple steps such as dyeing, patterning, and weaving, and each procedure involves unique skills.

Cultural value: Shu brocade is not only a precious textile, but also an important carrier of traditional Chinese culture, and its patterns and production techniques contain rich cultural significance.

The unique and exquisite production process

of Shu brocade The production process of Shu brocade is unique and exquisite, with the following significant characteristics:

Warp color strips: Shu brocade is colored on the basis of warp color strips, and the color strips are added to the color strips to form a unique visual effect.Its patterns are prosperous, the weave is fine, the color scheme is elegant, and it has a strong local style and national characteristics

Rich varieties: There are many varieties of Shu brocade, including rain silk brocade, square brocade, floor brocade, scattered flower brocade, Huanhua brocade, ethnic brocade, colorful brocade, etc., each with its own unique style and characteristics

Unique dyeing techniques: Shu brocade uses natural dyes in dyeing, so that the silk presents a unique color effect, bright colors and strong contrast

Complex weaving process: The weaving process of Shu brocade includes design, finalization, point design, picking flowers, installation, weaving and other links, each link requires exquisite skills and rich experience

Diverse pattern design: Shu brocade has a variety of pattern designs, including geometric patterns, flowers, birds and beasts, myths and legends, etc., these patterns are not only beautiful, but also often imply good wishes such as good

luck, wealth and peace Use

Hualou loom: Traditional Shu brocade is woven using Hualou loom, The structure of this loom is complex, and the operation needs to be completed by many people, which can weave complex and exquisite patterns

Unique warp drawing method: Yuehua brocade should be arranged according to the color of the color strip and the number of the warp thread color matching, according to the order of the color strip, the width and the depth of the color warp

Equal emphasis on inheritance and innovation: The inheritors of Shu brocade continue to study and improve traditional machinery and craftsmanship, successfully copy a number of Shu brocade Hualou wooden looms, and develop, copy, imitate and restore nearly 60 famous historical Han and Tang Shu brocade, innovate traditional techniques, and develop a number of excellent Shu brocade handicrafts

Shu brocade pattern design

Cloud animal pattern: A popular pattern in the Qin and Han dynasties, usually with clouds and various auspicious birds and beasts (such as dragons, tigers, warding off evil spirits, unicorns, etc.) as the theme, the lines are rough, vivid, and the shape is bold and lively. Cloud energy represents fairy energy, related to immortals, implying mysterious and unpredictable geometric

patterns: including diamond shapes, back patterns, cloud thunder patterns, etc., the use of these geometric shapes in Shu brocade reflects the ancient people's pursuit of beauty and yearning for harmony and unity.

Auspicious inscriptions, such as "Wealth and Prosperity", "Dayi Descendants", "Ten Thousand Years of Longevity", "Longevity without Limits ", etc., directly express the prayer for wealth, reproduction of descendants, longevity and happy life.

Flower and bird patterns: The flower and bird patterns in Shu brocade, such as peonies, hibiscus, lotus flowers, magpies, mandarin ducks, etc., usually imply auspiciousness and beauty , such as "magpie plum blossoms" symbolizes festivity, and "mandarin ducks playing in the water" symbolizes the love between husband and wife.

Character patterns: ancient ladies, mythological characters, etc., through the fine craftsmanship of Shu brocade, the demeanor and costumes of the characters are vividly depicted, reflecting the culture and aesthetics of ancient China .

Ruicao cloud crane, hundred flowers peacock: These patterns often symbolize auspiciousness, longevity and wealth.

Dragon and phoenix pattern: Dragons and phoenixes symbolize imperial power and nobility in Chinese culture, and are often used in the decoration of the court and aristocracy, implying power and nobility.

"Swastika" pattern: This is a traditional auspicious symbol that represents eternity and good luck.

Lantern brocade, Chupu brocade: There are representative patterns in Song Dynasty Shu brocade, showing the beauty and elegance of Song Dynasty Shu brocade with its unique geometric shape and filling pattern.

Eight Immortals, Eight Treasures and Eight Auspicious Symbols: A common pattern in Qing Dynasty Shu brocade, integrating immortal characters and mascots in traditional Chinese culture, implying auspicious wishes and good fortune .

The

rich evolution process of patterns

Qin and Han dynasties: The pattern design of Shu brocade broke through the monotonous decorative pattern format, developed cloud animal patterns, such as dragons and tigers, warding off evil spirits, unicorns, etc., and integrated auspicious inscriptions such as "Ten Thousand Years of Longevity" and " Changle Mingguang ", etc., reflecting the influence of social customs and court activities

Three Kingdoms and Wei, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties: Shu brocade production has prospered and developed, and the patterns are serene, Static animal patterns are the mainstay, such as checkered beast pattern brocade, and plant and symmetrical patterns appear at the same time, such as tree pattern brocade

Sui and Tang dynasties: Sichuan The mulberry silk weaving industry reached its peak, and the Tang Taizong period created the "Lingyang public style", representing the highest level of ancient silk weaving skills, with patterns such as group flowers, tortoise shells, lattices, lotus flowers, birds, and animals

Song and Yuan dynasties: The style of Shu brocade transitioned from the group flower style to the symmetrical style, such as Octopus halo, lantern brocade, etc. The Yuan Dynasty also produced gold brocade that used gold thread to display patterns, also known as "Nashi Shi" Ming and

Qing dynasties: Shu brocade in the Ming Dynasty was destroyed, but in the Qing Dynasty, Shu brocade resumed production, and varieties such as Yuehua brocade, rain silk brocade, square square brocade, and Huanhua brocade appeared, especially the rain silk and moon brocade with color halo strips are the most characteristic

Modern times: Shu brocade was depressed during the Republic of China, and after liberation, Shu brocade began to resume production and create a variety of new patterns.In the 80s of the 20th century, Shu brocade experienced the last period of prosperity, but began to decline in the 90s

21st century: The state began to protect and inherit the Shu brocade weaving process, in 2006 the Shu brocade weaving technique was included in the national intangible cultural heritage list, and in 2009 the Shu brocade embroidery museum was established, committed to the protection and inheritance of traditional skills

The

historical origin and development process of Shu embroidery

Shu embroidery, as one of the four famous embroideries in China , has a long history. According to research, the skills of Shu embroidery can be traced back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and there are signs in the Sanxingdui civilization.

In the Han Dynasty, the reputation of Shu embroidery had spread far and wide, and the Western Han Dynasty writer Yang Xiong mentioned the prosperity of Shu embroidery in his "Shu Capital Fu", calling it "brocade embroidery hope, mangang and no width", indicating that Shu embroidery was quite mature and developed at that time, and the skills of Shu embroidery were already well-known in the late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period, and the Shu state used it in exchange for war horses or other materials in the north. The "Huayang Guozhi" of the Jin Dynasty recorded Shu embroidery in detail, and listed it with gold, silver, pearls and jade, showing the preciousness of Shu embroidery.

At the end of the Tang Dynasty, Shu embroidery entered the court as a tribute and became the main item for the emperor to reward the meritorious officials. In the Song Dynasty, the development of Shu embroidery reached its peak, and the literature said that the Shu embroidery technique was "extremely skillful", and its embroidery products were unique in terms of craftsmanship, production and sales, and exquisiteness.

After the middle of the Qing Dynasty, Shu embroidery gradually formed an industry, and many embroidery shops and workshops appeared in Chengdu . During the Republic of China, Shu embroidery also enjoyed a high reputation internationally, winning the gold medal at the Panama Pacific World Exposition in 1915 .

After the founding of New China , the Shu embroidery process was further protected and developed. The Chengdu Shu Embroidery Factory was established in Sichuan , which brought the development of Shu embroidery technology into a new stage, and continued to innovate in technology. In 2006, Shu embroidery was included in the national intangible cultural heritage list, further affirming its cultural value and artistic achievements.

Shu embroidery has rich stitches, with 12 categories and more than 130 kinds, which is the richest among the four famous embroidery. Commonly used stitches include halo stitches, laying needles, needle rolling, cutting needles, doping needles, sand needles, covering needles, etc., these stitches are used in a staggered manner, and the changes are varied, so that Shu embroidery works are not only good at embroidering delicate brushwork, but also can express the magnificent landscape picture, and portray the characters realistically and expressively. Shu embroidery is among the four famous embroideries in China with its skillful craftsmanship and delicate lines , and its works have a variety of themes, including flowers and birds, animals, landscapes, insects and fish, figures, etc., both traditional auspicious patterns and innovative works of modern designers, reflecting rich cultural connotations.

The inheritance and development of Shu embroidery is not only reflected in the inheritance of skills, but also in the combination with modern design and fashion industry, so that this traditional handicraft glows with new vitality.