| Suzhou embroidery originated more than 2,500 years ago somewhere around Wu County, Suzhou. The embroider, using a needle to draw coloured threads in and out through the surfaces of silk, cotton etc., creates art by forming motifs, pictures and words according to a preset design of patterns and colours. Suzhou embroidery’s “chaotic needle technique” was invented in the 1920s by Yang Shouyu. The technique’s new way of organising lines results in a vivid 3D effect similar to a Western oil painting. The seemingly chaotic intersecting lines of varying lengths effect an interestingly novel layering of colours. The term “chaotic” is a little misleading, since the technique unfolds according to certain rules and only seems disorderly. Lines of different lengths skewed relative to either the vertical or horizontal axis crisscross and interlace. They then undergo further layering and colour mixing until the density is right and there is close similarity in gloss, colour and form. This technique differs from traditional embroidery in both execution and artistic effect. It results in a unique visual effect.
In this hall, the lotuses on both sides of the Cintamani-cakra Bodhisattva are intricately created through the “chaotic needle technique” of Suzhou embroidery. In the picture, the flowers look lithe and graceful, the colours refined and fresh. There is a distinct layering of the lotus leaves. The lotuses appear lifelike, as if swaying in the breeze. The “chaotic needle” workmanship here is truly superb and exquisite.
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