and solid imagery, utilizing empty space in the same way as Chinese ink and wash paintings. Yue Xiu/Guang Xiu (粤绣/广绣) – Guangdong embroidery is crafted in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province. It is composed of intricate but symmetrical patterns, vibrant colours, varied stitches and a defined weave. Its use of primary colors, light and shade are reminiscent of western paintings. Shu Xiu (蜀绣) – Sichuan embroidery comes from areas around Chengdu, Sichuan Province. It is among the oldest known embroidery styles in Chinese embroidery history. Its raw materials are satin and colored silk, its craftsmanship painstaking and refined. The emphasis is on even stitching, delicate coloration, and local flavor. Sichuan embroidery is used to decorate quilt covers, pillowcases, garments, shoes and painted screens. Other styles Gu Xiu (顾绣) – Gu embroidery is rather a family style than a local style originated from Gu Mingshi's family during the Ming Dynasty in Shanghai. Gu embroidery is also named Lu Xiang Yuan embroidery after the place where the Gu family lived. Gu embroidery is different from other styles as it specialized in painting and calligraphy. The inventor of Gu embroidery was a concubine of Gu Mingshi's first son, Gu Huihai. Later, Han Ximeng, the wife of the second grandson of Gu Mingshi developed the skill and was reputed as "Needle Saint" (针圣). Some of her masterpieces are kept in the Forbidden City. Today Gu embroidery has become a special local product in Shanghai. Ethnic styles Other Chinese ethnic groups, like Bai, Miao, Zhuang and Tibetan people also have their own style of embroidery, which usually depicts a mythical or religious topic. Common forms of stitches Pekin knot - a knotted stitch which originated in China Satin stitch - a common form of stitch used in Chinese embroidery See also History of silk Suzhou Silk Museum Chinese ornamental gold silk Chinese auspicious ornaments in textile and clothing References