A Study of Concept, Technique, and Artistic Language of Liu Xiaohong's Daye Embroidery

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the inheritance and development of Daye embroidery through the concept, technique, and artistic language of Liu Xiaohong's Daye embroidery, employing documentary research, field research, and interdisciplinary research. The research found that in terms of creative concept, Liu Xiaohong integrated traditional concept, local customs and creative concept, making Daye embroidery not only a medium to convey the historical memory of local culture, but also to spread the artistic charm for preserving historical memory and a medium for expressing modern artistic sensibilities. Technically, Liu Xiaohong combined traditional intangible cultural heritage with creative embroidery and invented and developed four new embroidery techniques: 1. Double-sided knot embroidery, 2. Double-sided knot embroidery with different patterns, colors and shapes, 3. Bird's nest embroidery, 4. Double-sided gold thread embroidery. Regarding artistic language, Liu Xiaohong created a meaning system that combined traditional cultural symbols with modern sentiments through the comprehensive use of visual language, color language and connotation. Liu Xiaohong conveyed goodwill and reflected the perspective of society. It also promoted the integration and transformation of traditional culture and modern art through the embroidery works that convey the meaning of auspiciousness and happiness, warding off disasters and evil spirits, expressing congratulations, and conveying emotions through threads. This research demonstrated that Liu Xiaohong’s practice not only conveyed the cultural and spiritual values in Daye embroidery through the inheritance and creativity of concept, technique, and artistic language, but also provided a methodological paradigm for the contemporizing of traditional folk crafts.