Threading together culture and modernity

Hu Meiqun, a craftswoman, designer and entrepreneur who co-owns a Su embroidery studio in Jiangsu province, has a perfect scene in her mind — a place where the lush green grass can be seen and the melodic chirping of birds can be heard, while the city's hustle and bustle is far away.

She believes such a place would soothe the minds of embroiderers, inspiring them to create beautiful patterns.

Years ago, Hu, 45, moved the office and workshop of Wuxi Broderie Art Limited, which she co-founded with her husband Wang Zheng, into a five-story detached house in a quiet community on the outskirts of her native city, Wuxi in Jiangsu.

There, Hu and a number of craftspeople have produced fine examples of Su embroidery.

Deemed one of China's Four Great Embroideries, the 3,000-year-old Su embroidery had been manufactured in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, and neighboring areas, which produce high-quality silk.

Su embroidery has been popular since ancient times, renowned for its exquisite needlework and colorful designs to accentuate the elegant sheen of silk.