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This June, our Guangdong Embroidery studio, Ju Yuan Xiang, had the pleasure of hosting a diverse group of visitors from around the world! A lively bunch of young African artists and culture enthusiasts made the journey all the way to Guangzhou, eager to experience the magic of Cantonese Embroidery. Led by our expert, Ms. Guo, they stepped into a world where each thread weaves a story older than empires.Our African friends were fully immersed, taking the time to learn about the rich, ancient history of Cantonese Embroidery, discovering how it connects past and present in every stitch.
The real showstopper? Master Wang Xinyuan’s legendary embroidery pieces – a fierce tiger and a soaring eagle. Under Ms. Guo’s expert guidance, the visitors were totally blown away by the kind of embroidery that feels like it belongs in a dream. The tiger's fur was so lifelike, you could almost feel it, and the eagle’s eyes were so sharp they seemed to look straight through you. All of this was created using the legendary "waterway" technique (水路), a hallmark of Cantonese Embroidery. One of our African friends couldn’t help but gasp, “It’s like the animals could just leap off the fabric!” Ms. Guo explained that every twist of golden thread—traditionally woven with mulberry silk—carries the soul of Lingnan (the Guangdong region) from a thousand years ago. Their awe mirrored that of ancient emperors, who once considered Guangdong Embroidery a priceless treasure.
Next up? The fun part—learning from our teacher, Ms. Su! With warm smiles, our African friends took their first crack at basic stitches. Ms. Su showed them each move, her needle gliding through the fabric like poetry in motion. “Slow hands, steady heart,” she said as they worked on cloud patterns, a classic Guangdong Embroidery design. There were plenty of laughs when the threads got tangled, but there was also a sense of pride in every little stitch. It was a beautiful reminder that embroidery is a language that connects us all!
As the cultural exchange visit to a close, someone played some seriously energetic music on their phone... and just like that, the magic began! Right at the entrance of our studio, feet started tapping, hips began swaying – an impromptu dance party sparked to life! The vibrant rhythm filled the air, and everyone, from our African friends to the team, couldn’t help but get swept up in the infectious energy. The joy was contagious, and for a few moments, it felt like the world outside just disappeared.
Before saying our goodbyes, we knew we had to capture this unforgettable moment. We gathered for a giant group photo in front of our Ju Yuan Xiang studio. There we were, African friends, Chinese colleagues, and the team behind Cantonese Embroidery, all grinning from ear to ear.
It was more than just a photo—it was a timeless record of a cultural exchange that brought us all together, united by music, laughter, and Cantonese Embroidery.
