蜀绣 Sichuan embroidery, also called Shu embroidery, ranks along with the embroideries of Jiangsu, Hunan and Guangdong as one of China’s four most famous schools of embroidery, and is best known for its elaborate designs, bright colors, neat needle work and varied subjects.
Sichuan embroidery is the general name for embroidery found in areas around Chengdu, where silkworm-breeding industry has thrived since ancient times.
Traditional patterns of Sichuan embroidery are the carps, hibiscus, giant pandas, portraits and landscapes and new techniques and designs representing modern scenes have been incorporated into the art.
Efforts to preserve the traditional handicraft are made and an institution providing courses on Sichuan embroidery has been set up in Anjing Town, Pixian County in western Chengdu, which now has more than 1,000 trainees and workers, mostly women from the rural areas.