Every Thread a Story & The Secret Language of Miao Embroidery (2-Volume Boxed Set) Wang Jun 9781733200394

A boxed set containing Every Thread a Story and The Secret Language of Miao Embroidery, this culmination highlights artists and textiles from the Guizhou Province of China.

Every Thread a Story is a tribute to ethnic minority artisans of China's Guizhou Province. It is also a tribute to the heritage craft traditions and techniques passed down through the generations of their families. The book introduces more than a dozen contemporary artists from four ethnic groups working in the techniques of their ancestors, including indigo dyers, embroiderers of varying techniques, weavers, a metalsmith, and a paper maker. A wide-ranging look to the future questions the effects of tourism and modern development on the craft and culture of southeast Guizhou Province.

The Secret Language of Miao Embroidery presents, for the first-time, expert interpretations of the Miao symbols and motifs embellished on traditional clothing of the Miao peoples of China. Using examples from pieces in a museum's collection, the author provides clear descriptions and stories for 60 symbols and motifs found in highly collectible Miao textiles, focusing on southeast Guizhou Province. Detailed colour photographs accompany each motif.

Both are paperback books: Every Thread a Story contains 160 pages and The Secret Language of Miao Embroidery contains 64 pages.

Wang Jun has been an international tour guide since 1996, specializing in the ethnic minority areas of Guizhou where he developed a love for the traditional culture. Through his decades of travel in Guizhou, he's developed strong relationships with ethnic minority artisans and a deep knowledge of their textiles.

Zeng Li is the founder and director of the Miao's Tales Costumes Museum in Guiyang. She has helped curate many exhibitions about Miao embroidery and frequently lectures about the history, traditions, and associated symbols. In 2009, she established the brand "Miao's Tales", applying traditional motifs to modern design.

This boxed set contains two paperback books, Every Thread a Store (160 pages) and The Secret Language of Miao Embroidery (64 pages). We meet artists from four ethnic groups using their ancestors' techniques such as indigo dyers, embroiderers, weavers, a metal smith and a paper maker. We're given expert interpretations of 60 symbols and motifs found in highly collectible Miao textiles and left to wonder if modern development and tourism will influence the craft and culture of Guizhou Province.