Stunning Suzhou Embroidery Double Sided Egret with Lotus Flowers. In circular Rosewood Frame under glass and ornate Rosewood Stand. The white snowy egret is breathtaking, his plumage highly detailed. The lotus flowers are delicate in various shades of pink and white. Signed. With the original turquoise silk lined presentation box. From the Suzhou Embroidery Research Institute. On stand measures 11.50x5.50x18.50. Wt 4 pds. PROVENANCE: The Estate of a Litchfield Connecticut Antique & Art Dealer. Suzhou embroidery is crafted in areas around Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, having a history dating back 2,000 years. It is famous for its beautiful patterns, elegant colours, variety of stitches, and consummate craftsmanship. Its stitching is meticulously skillful, coloration subtle and refined. Suzhou artists are able to use more than 40 needlework and a 1,000 different types of threads to make embroidery, typically with nature and environment themes such as flowers, birds, animals and even gardens on a piece of cloth. A rare subset is Su double-sided embroidery which requires ultimate skill and artistry. The front and back of the piece may have different designs, but the ends are not knotted but woven in so the back can't be distinguished.

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