Wuxi embroidery worker Shao Min introduces the new work on April 12. [Photo by Zong Xiaodong/wxrb.com]
Two famous Wuxi's national intangible cultural heritages, Yixing purple clay teapot and Wuxi embroidery, show a perfect balance when integrated by local art masters.
Hu Yexin and Shao Min, disciples of reputed Wuxi embroidery master Wu Mingwen, spent two years making a work of Wuxi embroidery showing all the stages of making a Yixing purple clay teapot.
With a height of 50 centimeters and a width of 22.5 cm, the work is based on a painting by Gu Qingjiao, a national first-class artist working at Wuxi Calligraphy and Painting Academy.
The work features 22 lifelike characters of all ages, who are learning how to make purple clay teapots. The old craftsman looks focused and serene while making his pot, while young students are absorbed in study. Even two cats the size of a thumb are embroidering with meticulous care and flawless artistry.
What is most amazing is that the texture and shape of over 40 purple clay teapots shown in the work are depicted in detail, the largest one being less than 1 cm high and the smallest only about 3 millimeters.
In addition, over 30 production tools are scaled down to perfection.
Shao said that the craftsmen spent two years on the work, trying their best to display the process of making Yixing purple clay teapots by making full use of Wuxi embroidery skills.
