Bi Yueying – Inheritor of Yi Cross-stitch Skill in Shilin County, Kunming
Early Life and Training
Bi Yueying (毕跃英), a female member of the Yi ethnic group, was born in 1954 in Beida Village (北大村), Shilin County (石林县), Kunming, Yunnan Province. She is the representative inheritor of the Yi (Sani) embroidery skill, which was selected as part of the fifth batch of national intangible cultural heritage items. From the age of eight, she learned embroidery under the guidance of her grandmother and mother. Later, she apprenticed with a local artist, Bi Zhangshi (毕张氏), who helped her hone her skills. With her solid cultural foundation and diligent learning attitude, she quickly mastered the complete set of eight essential garments worn by Sani women, including head coverings, clothing, pants, aprons, blankets, bags, waist wraps, and back covers.
Mastery of Sani Embroidery
Throughout her life, Bi Yueying has focused on perfecting Sani embroidery, and she is proficient in many different types of embroidery stitches. For instance, there are eight different needle techniques in cross-stitch alone, and more than twenty different patterns, such as pomegranate flowers, sunflowers, lotus flowers, fist flowers, pine resin flowers, three-string flowers, green onion flowers, and pear flowers. She has made significant contributions to preserving and innovating the art, creating modern items like wall hangings, sofa covers, and ethnic-style neckties, in addition to traditional Sani embroidery works.
Her skill and passion for the craft have made embroidery not only her hobby but also a livelihood. With the income from selling her embroidered products, she has been able to support her children’s education. Her embroidery has gained such renown that people, both from China and abroad, visit her village to purchase her work, and she has become a well-known figure in the area.
Notable Works and Impact
Bi Yueying’s works are widely appreciated for their vivid colors, intricate patterns, and careful design. Some of her most famous pieces include embroidered Sani flower bags, children’s blankets, and traditional costumes, all of which have been collected by institutions such as the Beijing Ethnic Culture Palace and the Yunnan Provincial Museum. Her craftsmanship is highly regarded, and she continues to pass on her skills to the next generation. Over the years, she has opened a shop in Ashima Town (阿诗玛小镇), Shilin, which has become a place for both local women and visitors to learn and practice embroidery under her guidance.
In addition to her extensive work, Bi Yueying has formalized her efforts to preserve and pass on the art by accepting apprentices. She now mentors many local women, teaching them the skills needed to create beautiful embroidered pieces and, in turn, helping them improve their livelihoods.
Recognition and Honors
Bi Yueying has received numerous honors and accolades for her work:
- In May 2012, her work “Starry Night” won first place in the Cross-stitch category at the inaugural Yunnan Ethnic and Folk Handicraft Embroidery and Cross-stitch Competition.
- In December 2017, she was included in the fifth batch of national intangible cultural heritage representative inheritors.
- In 2018, she was officially recognized as a representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage project.
- In 2019, she was appointed as the “Cup of Innovation” Ambassador for the Promotion of Chinese Textile Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- In June 2022, her activities as a representative inheritor were officially evaluated as “qualified” by Yunnan Province’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Inheritors Annual Assessment.
Cultural Influence and Legacy
Bi Yueying’s achievements reflect her deep-rooted dedication to Sani embroidery, which she regards as an art form that one should continue to learn and practice throughout life. Her embroidery not only represents the traditional culture of the Yi people but also serves as an essential part of preserving and promoting ethnic heritage.
Her works are a bridge between generations, as she passes down this unique cultural skill while adapting it to modern times. Through her passion and dedication, she has significantly contributed to the recognition of Sani embroidery, earning her a respected place within her community and beyond.
