From Suzhou to the stars: An artisan's embroidered vision

Zhang Xue is the only xiulang (male embroidery artisan) in his family, and one of the few male inheritors of Su embroidery, a renowned intangible cultural heritage in China. From Nov 7 to 9, he took part in the 2nd Folk Culture Talent Story Gathering in Tiantai county, Zhejiang province, where he shared his insights on revitalizing traditional crafts.

Known for works such as Galaxy and Essence of Jiangnan, Zhang's artistic style departs from that of his predecessors: leaning toward minimalism rather than opulence. His approach has created a ripple effect across the industry, influencing both aesthetics and product design. Ever the experimenter, he integrates multiple traditional crafts into his practice, including ceramics and kesi, a Chinese silk tapestry technique.

After declining an opportunity to study abroad in order to carry forward the legacy of Su embroidery, Zhang has never slowed his pace. His expertise and experimental spirit have opened doors for cultural exchange in Algeria, Italy, Singapore, Canada and the United States, and beyond. Intercultural dialogue, he says, "gives my art more vitality".

Zhang also welcomes the potential challenges posed by AI and technological innovation, believing they will make Su embroidery more accessible and affordable for consumers. He emphasizes, however, that human creativity remains irreplaceable. It enables our living heritage to bridge our past to the future.