Yang Hanfen – Master of Yi Embroidery Skill in Luquan County, Kunming
Early Life and Training
Yang Hanfen (杨汉芬), a female member of the Yi ethnic group, was born in April 1953 in the village of Jiaowuying (教务营村), Shudeka (树得卡自然村), in Jiulong Township (九龙乡), Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County (禄劝彝族苗族自治县), Kunming, Yunnan Province. At the age of 11, in 1964, she began learning embroidery techniques from a local artisan, Zhang Guoying (张国英). Known for her dexterity and diligent nature, Yang quickly grasped the techniques with only minimal guidance from her teacher. Over the following years, she mastered a variety of embroidery styles, including cross-stitch, flat stitch, pile flower stitch, knot stitch, and rolling stitch, earning a reputation as a skilled embroiderer both locally and beyond.
Artistic Achievements
By 1985, Yang’s embroidered works had gained significant recognition. One of her meticulously crafted outfits was selected by experts from the Kunming City Museum during a celebration for the Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County, where it was collected as part of the museum’s permanent collection. Her embroidery works are known for their exquisite detail, vibrant colors, and delicate craftsmanship.
Yang Hanfen’s works range from clothing and accessories to home decor. In the Jiulong Township area, it became a source of pride for Yi women to wear wedding dresses embroidered by Yang Hanfen. Additionally, it was common for elderly people to request that Yang embroider special shoes, known as “elder’s shoes” (老人鞋), before passing away. These shoes were believed to ensure a safe and timely journey to the afterlife, reflecting the deep cultural significance of her embroidery skills within the local community.
Impact and Legacy
Yang’s embroidery is self-designed and hand-stitched, with each piece featuring carefully composed patterns, bright colors, and intricate techniques that make her work highly admired. Her main representative works include traditional clothing, waistbands, bags, scarves, and bed curtains. Over the years, she has also dedicated herself to passing on her skills to younger generations. To date, 25 local Yi women have trained under her guidance to learn the art of embroidery.
Her works continue to reflect the rich cultural traditions of the Yi people, and she remains a beloved figure in her community for her contributions to the preservation and development of Yi embroidery.
