Flower in Vase

This piece of needlework is based on the well-known painter Zhu Da (1626-ca. 1705)’s painting which illustrates an orchid place in a vase, symbolizing “the one that outshines the others”, exuding a wonderful artistic conception. By use of the skillful application of long and short stitches (tao zhen, 套针), broken-line stitches (xu zhen, 虚针) and neat stitches (qi zhen, 齐针), the artisan outlined the vase and the crack patterns on it with simple needlework, and depicted the floral patterns with texture-stroke-like techniques, fully transferring the artistic charm of the painting onto the embroidery.