From August 21 to 22, Liu Ya, an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Xiang embroidery, was invited by the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) in the UK to deliver an international cross-cultural embroidery research presentation titled "Stitched Together: Needlework Research and Practice" at the renowned Hampton Court Palace in London.
Leading scholars, artists, and curators from the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia, as well as professionals and scholars from institutions such as the British Library, the V&A Museum, and the National Trust, were brought together to explore the multifaceted value of needlework in history, preservation, and contemporary innovation. As a young representative of China's Xiang embroidery, a master of Hunan arts and crafts, and an intangible cultural heritage inheritor, Liu Ya was invited to deliver an academic speech. This marked the first time that Xiang embroidery made its debut on the international academic stage of a British royal palace.
On the morning of August 22, Liu Ya delivered a presentation titled "Threads Across Cultures: A Comparative Study of Chinese and Western Embroidery and Its Role in Cross-Cultural Collaboration" during a "Cross-Cultural Exchange" session. With a master's degree from the University of Surrey, Liu Ya drew upon her years of experience in embroidery practice and cross-cultural exchanges to compare Chinese and Western embroidery from three dimensions—technique, aesthetics, and cultural expression. She delved into the ways in which needlework can serve as a vital medium for communication between different civilizations. Her research not only responds to the contemporary expression of traditional crafts in the context of globalization, but also provides new academic perspectives for Xiang embroidery to go global.
Liu Ya showcased two of her own embroidery pieces on-site, giving attendees a firsthand experience of the intricate craftsmanship of Xiang embroidery. The moment the pieces were unveiled, the intricate stitching and lifelike textures elicited heartfelt admiration from the Western audience, once again showcasing the artistic charm and unique value of Chinese embroidery. Participants also visited the Royal Textile Conservation Studio and the RSN Embroidery Studio at Hampton Court Palace, observing world-class textile restoration and creations up close.
Born into a Xiang embroidery family in Changsha, Liu Ya learned the craft from her mother Liu Jianxin, a national inheritor of Xiang embroidery. Her works have been displayed on multiple national exhibition platforms, including the National Museum of China, the National Art Museum of China, the China National Arts and Crafts Museum, and the Taimiao Art Museum. She has claimed many prestigious awards in China's arts and crafts industry, such as the "Shanhua Award," "Baihua Cup," and "Baihe Cup." Liu Ya has been invited to participate in exhibitions and cultural exchange events across more than 20 countries, including the UK and the US. Notably, she presented her Xiang embroidery pieces during a solo exhibition at the Revelations 2025 event in France.
From Changsha to London, from the banks of the Xiangjiang River to the British royal palace, Liu Ya's journey reflects the globalization process of Xiang embroidery. This is not only an important debut of Chinese intangible cultural heritage, but also a vivid case of China's fine traditional crafts engaging in cross-cultural dialogue.
This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.
Translator: Kuang Zhenzhen
Chinese source: hunantoday
