Countrywoman presents embroidery gift to UN Secretary-General

During the UN Global Compact Business Leaders Summit, a piece of "Maliu Embroidery" from the Chaotian district of Guangyuan city was presented to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Ren Hongbin, chairman of China National Machinery Industry Corp, presents the "Maliu Embroidery" to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

“Maliu Embroidery”, created by the Maliu people, has become popular in Maliu, Yudong, Linxi and Xiao’an in the Chaotian district of Guangyuan city, Sichuan province. It’s a national intangible cultural heritage and also a fine art of Han nationality that has been passed down from generation to generation.

The 40cm long and 40cm wide embroidery delicately depicts the UN Security Council logo stitched by a skilled embroider, Liu Mingxiu of Yucai village, Yudong township, Chaotian district.

“I felt excited and nervous when I received the task, and also a little stressful,” Liu said. In mid-August of this year, she began drawing the outline of the logo in a precise way to ensure that the embroidered one would be an exact duplication.

To perfect her work, she also used a sophisticated embroidering technique called “Zhahua”. “I take it very seriously for it’s an opportunity for Maliu Embroidery to go global,” Liu said.

“Maliu Embroidery” uses a cross-stitch technique which makes it of high collection value. The embroiderer usually obtains raw materials locally. With needles, threads and colorful hand-woven cloth, the finished work embellishes apparel and provides a distinctive sophistication without sacrificing durability.

The embroidered patterns include such images as a farm harvest, wedding etiquette, characters, and birds. “Maliu Embroidery” is of typical northern Sichuan style and embodies the characteristics of Han ethnicity.