Yi Embroidery in Jijie Town of Yangbi County, Dali
Chinese Name:大理漾濞县鸡街乡彝族手工刺绣
English Name: Yi Embroidery in Jijie Town of Yangbi County, Dali
The Yangbi Yi Ethnic Group Embroidery (大理漾濞彝族刺绣) is an essential cultural symbol of the Yi ethnic people in Yangbi County (漾濞县), Dali (大理), located in Yunnan Province (云南省). It stands out for its long history, distinctive stitching techniques, vibrant colors, and culturally significant designs. In June 2017, it was officially listed as part of the fourth batch of intangible cultural heritage projects in Yunnan Province (云南省). This recognition reflects the significant cultural value and artistic excellence of the craft.
Cultural and Artistic Significance of Yangbi Yi Embroidery
The embroidery of the Yangbi Yi ethnic group is not merely ornamental; it carries deep cultural meanings and showcases extraordinary craftsmanship. Its unique charm lies in the intricate design and the meanings embedded in the patterns.
Key Features and Applications
The Yi ethnic group (彝族) is known for its colorful and detailed embroidered garments. The most notable feature of Yangbi Yi embroidery is its extensive application in women’s clothing and various accessories such as bags, back wraps, and shoes. Every aspect of a traditional Yi woman’s attire is embellished with this embroidery, including the hat, clothing, apron, belt, trousers, and shoes. These pieces are not simply clothing items; they are wearable art that expresses a blend of the aesthetic beauty and the culture of the Yi people.
Themes and Patterns
The embroidery is rich with patterns that reflect both natural elements and cultural symbolism. Common motifs include:
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Nature-inspired designs: Flowers, birds, and the sun are among the most frequent subjects in the embroidery.
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Symbolic patterns: The “continuous wealth” pattern (富贵不断头), which represents prosperity, is commonly used. This design is typically found on the belts, collars, and tobacco pouches of the Yi people, symbolizing endless good fortune and harmony.
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Geometric motifs: These include cloud patterns and diamond shapes, which are often featured in the traditional embroidery.
The embroidery not only serves as a form of decoration but also symbolizes the values and wishes of the people, reflecting their deep connection to nature, spiritual beliefs, and hopes for a prosperous future.
Cultural Value and Aesthetic Appeal
The colorful threads used in the embroidery stand out due to their vividness and vibrancy. The craftsmanship is highly appreciated for its delicacy and beauty. The result is a series of functional and decorative items that are loved by people not only for their practical use but also for their visual charm. These embroidered pieces hold ethnic significance and cultural pride while also having substantial practical value as clothing and accessories.
The cultural impact of Yangbi Yi embroidery extends beyond everyday life; it is a key marker of identity for the Yi people, showcasing their cultural depth and aesthetic preferences. Moreover, the embroidery pieces often reflect the values of family, honor, and community.
The Preservation and Market Expansion of Yangbi Yi Embroidery
In recent years, Yangbi Yi embroidery has transitioned from traditional uses to reach broader markets, gaining attention far beyond its geographic origins. This shift has been accompanied by efforts to protect and promote the craft, making sure it retains its unique characteristics while adapting to modern-day demands.
Cultural Preservation and Efforts
To protect and promote Yangbi Yi embroidery, Yangbi County (漾濞县) has made significant investments in research and documentation, ensuring that this craft is passed down through the generations. Comprehensive records have been created to preserve the techniques, patterns, and the history of this embroidery art form.
Simultaneously, there is a push to innovate the craft by incorporating modern designs and everyday applications. This balance between preserving tradition and modernizing the craft has led to wider popularity and greater demand, particularly from the younger generation, which values both the artistic beauty and cultural heritage of the embroidery.
A Family Legacy
One of the key figures in the preservation of this embroidery is Ji Zhenlin (吉珍林), a master embroiderer from Jijie Township (鸡街乡) in Yangbi County (漾濞县). Ji Zhenlin is part of a long lineage of Yi embroidery masters, being the sixth-generation inheritor of her family’s craft. Over the years, she has taught over one hundred students, passing down the techniques and philosophy of Yi embroidery. Her contribution to preserving and passing on the craft has been vital in ensuring its continued existence.
Today, Ji Zhenlin is mentoring the next generation, including her grandson, Zhang Qicheng (张启诚), who is a post-2000 generation Yi embroidery practitioner. With Ji Zhenlin’s guidance, Zhang Qicheng has become a recognized intangible cultural heritage inheritor in Yangbi County (漾濞县). He has expanded the traditional craft by creating the Yi Embroidery Experience Hall (彝族刺绣体验馆), where visitors can engage with the craft through hands-on experiences and cultural immersion.
Expansion into Modern Markets
In addition to the non-heritage experience center, Zhang Qicheng has expanded his business by opening multiple experience halls in Yangbi County (漾濞县), Shimen Pass Scenic Area (石门关景区), Dali Ancient City (大理古城), and Xizhou Ancient Town (喜洲古镇). These centers provide tourists with the chance to learn about the history, significance, and techniques of Yi embroidery and even try their hand at creating their own embroidered items.
His embroidery company has also employed over 200 full-time or part-time embroiderers, many of whom are local women, empowering them economically while helping to sustain the cultural heritage. Products from the embroidery company have been sold to major urban centers, including Beijing (北京), Shanghai (上海), and Guangzhou (广州), further establishing Yi embroidery as an admired cultural export.
Embroidery Techniques and Methods
The process of creating a piece of Yi embroidery is highly intricate and involves multiple stages. Embroiderers must learn to observe nature and the environment, as many patterns are inspired by the world around them.
The Embroidery Process
To create a piece of embroidery, the following steps are typically involved:
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Design: Observation of the world around them and sketching patterns, often inspired by nature, animals, and daily life.
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Paper Cutting: Preparing a template for the embroidery design.
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Flower Attachment: Applying the prepared design onto fabric.
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Sewing: Using various stitches to bring the design to life.
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Edge Stitching: Ensuring all edges of the embroidery are neatly finished.
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Final Touches: Additional embellishments like beads or threads may be used to enhance the design.
72 Stitching Methods
There are 72 different stitching methods, such as Sash Needle Stitch, Bao Needle Stitch, Staircase Stitch, and Breast Milk Stitch, all of which have been passed down orally over generations. These techniques are integral to the craft, contributing to the rich variety of designs and the complexity of the embroidery.
The process can take anywhere from one day to a year to complete, depending on the size and detail of the piece.
Invitation to Explore Yi Culture
The Yangbi Yi people (漾濞彝族) invite those interested in rural tourism and cultural exploration to experience the unique culture of the Yi ethnic group. Visitors can engage with this vibrant tradition, learn about its historical roots, and appreciate the beauty and cultural richness of Yi embroidery.
Yi embroidery is not just a craft; it is an essential part of Yi culture and Yunnan’s (云南省) intangible heritage. Through the work of master embroiderers like Ji Zhenlin (吉珍林) and Zhang Qicheng (张启诚), this ancient art form continues to thrive and evolve, ensuring its cultural significance for generations to come.
