In the heart of the Dong community, where embroidery is more than a craft—it’s a way of life—Chen Xianyue stands as a guardian of tradition and a beacon for the future. A national-level inheritor of the Dong embroidery tradition, Chen describes embroidery as the soul of Dong culture.
Her particular fascination lies with scroll-trimmed embroidery, a technique known for creating bold, vibrant designs with a unique three-dimensional effect. This intricate method brings a dynamic quality to the patterns, making each piece not just an artwork but a living narrative of Dong heritage.
Growing up in a community where most women embroidered, Chen distinguished herself by transforming her passion into a thriving business. While others practiced embroidery as a daily routine, she envisioned a larger purpose—preserving and promoting Dong embroidery on a grander scale.
Today, Chen leads a dedicated team of artisans committed to keeping this traditional craft alive. Together, they weave the stories of their ancestors into contemporary works, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Dong embroidery continues to inspire future generations.
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Inheritor weaves tradition into the future of Dong embroidery
cgtn.com