Stitching together tradition with modernity

"Silk thread for this exquisite embroidery can be split into as many as 70 or 80 strands, making for a vivid expression of delicate details," says Zhao, who was recognized as a national inheritor in 2009.

From minuscule figures and horses the size of a bean to characters as diminutive as a fly's footprint, every intricacy hinges on the flawless synchronization of the artisan's hands, eyes and heart to attain perfection, she adds.

As the stitches securing the thread ends are meticulously woven into the needlework, the outcome remains impeccable even under magnification.

"A well-crafted piece should be admired both from a distance and up close," Zhao says.

The artisan has never failed to draw gasps of amazement from crowds whenever she pulls out a strand of silk around 1 millimeter in diameter and then splits it into half, quarter and even more parts for her embroidery work.

Before getting into the action, Zhao cautions that one should have their fingernails trimmed carefully to avoid catching and tearing the delicate silk.

Then, various stitching methods are applied, with the neat stitching mostly creating smooth lines, gradient stitching used for natural elements featuring transitioning hues, and layer stitching for facial expressions or furs that require more dimension.