The event "Chang'an Elegant Gathering: Traditional Chinese Apparel Featuring the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Beijing Embroidery" was successfully held on May 31st at the Cultural Space of the Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchanges Center (BOCEC). With "Beijing Embroidery" as its theme, the event featured Ms. Bi Hong, an inheritor of Beijing Embroidery, as the main presenter. She delved deep into the journey of the inheritance and innovation of classical costumes, allowing the audience to understand the profound artistry and cultural significance of Beijing Embroidery in the modern era. During the event, the participants had the opportunity to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship and intricacy displayed in Beijing Embroidery from different historical periods. Moreover, they gained an immersive experience of the unique cultural allure of intangible cultural heritage, witnessing how Beijing Embroidery beautifully manifests itself through the medium of costumes. The event was hosted by Liu Jia, the chief director of the documentary "Tea in China". Liu Zuokui, Vice Director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Andreas Gofas and Konstantinos Ifantis, professors at the Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences in Athens, Greece, Ioannis E. Kotoulas, lecturer at the University of Athens, and Tom Wolters, senior consultant at UN-Habitat and relics preservation specialist, attended the event.
Celebrating the Artistry and Timeless Cultural Heritage of Beijing Embroidery
At the event, Ms. Bi Hong, a representative inheritor of Beijing Embroidery as an intangible cultural heritage, showcased her cherished collection of classical costumes and contemporary Beijing Embroidery pieces, all meticulously handcrafted. The delicate embroidery patterns and exquisite color combinations left the audience in awe and admiration. The development and innovation of Beijing Embroidery as a traditional craft in the modern era brought a stunning visual impact and aesthetic experience to the event. Additionally, Ms. Bi Hong shared with the participants the blessings and wishes encapsulated in these art pieces, reflecting the timeless pursuit of culture and the national spirit that China has embraced throughout history.
Regarding the artistic allure of Beijing Embroidery, Ms. Bi Hong said that it is well known that the predecessor of Beijing Embroidery was court embroidery, primarily used on imperial apparel. Whether in terms of embroidery techniques or sewing craftsmanship, Beijing Embroidery emphasizes harmony, smoothness, meticulousness, and density. It also highlights a sense of noble elegance, with a variety of intricate patterns and exquisite details, resulting in high levels of artistry and aesthetic value.
The changes and developments in Chinese traditional apparel culture not only convey the profound connotations of Chinese etiquette and rituals but also demonstrate the clear continuity of Chinese civilization's inheritance and development. From coarse fabrics to luxurious materials like damask and silk, from plain and rough garments to intricately woven brocade and embroidered adornments, over the course of centuries, the skilled hands of successive generations of artisans have woven together the threads of ancient techniques, crafting garments that embody the beauty of bygone eras. These garments intricately depict the stories of past and present, and within them lie the profound dedication and craftsmanship of these artisans.
As an inheritor, Ms. Bi Hong vividly explained the exquisite craftsmanship of Beijing Embroidery and the harmonious beauty of traditional handmade apparel. Her presentation showcased the unwavering dedication and cultural confidence of Chinese artisans in the new era.
The Fashion of Traditional culture: Collaborative Efforts towards the Internationalization of Intangible Cultural Heritage
The traditional Beijing Embroidery is renowned for its elegant style, intricate patterns, and exquisite craftsmanship. The costumes showcased by Ms. Bi Hong during the event epitomized these features. Moreover, building upon the foundation of inheriting and innovating the traditional techniques of Beijing Embroidery, she skillfully integrated contemporary aesthetics, bringing a fresh and captivating experience to the audience.
After trying on the classical costumes, a guest remarked, "Being in such close proximity to Beijing Embroidery and experiencing the intricate embroidery and craftsmanship is truly remarkable. It's an unparalleled and unforgettable experience that surpasses any preconceived notions of Beijing Embroidery. It leaves a profound and enduring impression—a true eye-opener!"
While preserving traditional handmade techniques, Ms. Bi Hong has focused on innovation, blending the essence of contemporary life with the artistry of Beijing Embroidery. She leads a team dedicated to upholding the heritage of handcrafted costumes, actively exploring the craftsmanship known as "Tian Yi Wu Fen" (literally, heavenly clothes are with no visible seams). In her creative designs, she sets high standards for herself as a contemporary inheritor, integrating nature and art in her original embroidery patterns, paying tribute to the extraordinary beauty of the natural world. Her works portray both blossoming flowers and colorful falling petals, reflecting the diverse beauty of life in different stages.
According to Ms. Wang Hairu, Deputy Director of Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchanges Center (BOCEC), this is the first event of the "Chang'an Elegant Gathering" series in 2023. As a national intangible cultural heritage, Beijing Embroidery is not just a form of embroidery craftsmanship; it embodies the captivating beauty of Oriental aesthetics that mesmerizes the world. Ms. Bi Hong's integration of classical heritage and innovative expression in her works is truly amazing, resulting in the blend of traditional beauty into contemporary fashion. Beijing Embroidery adheres to the principle of "every design carries a specific intention, and every intention conveys auspiciousness." The "Chang'an Elegant Gathering" event intends to tell the story of Chinese art and convey the beauty of Chinese craftsmanship through these artistic masterpieces.
The signature project "Chang'an Elegant Gathering", hosted by the Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchanges Center (BOCEC), is dedicated to continuously exploring new models that foreground the immersive experience of Chinese literati’s life aesthetics. Since its inception, the project has successfully organized a range of cultural events with diverse themes, including "Tea Culture", "Kunqu Opera", "Guqin", "China-Greece Cultural Exchange", and "Incense".
The event was live-streamed on various platforms including yangshipin.cn, china.com.cn, and BRTV, attracting more than 200,000 viewers.
