A. The Tang and Song Dynasties: Flourishing and Diversification

During the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 CE), Lu Embroidery entered a period of prosperity. The open - minded cultural atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty encouraged the fusion of different art forms, and Lu Embroidery incorporated elements from painting, calligraphy, and sculpture, enriching its artistic expression. The patterns became more diverse, including not only traditional auspicious motIFS but also scenes from daily life, history, and mythology.

In the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279 CE), Lu Embroidery continued to evolve. The government established specialized embroidery institutions, which promoted the standardization and refinement of techniques. Artisans paid great attention to the details of stitching, using fine silk threads to create delicate and intricate patterns. The range of subjects expanded further, with a focus on natural landscapes and花鸟 (flowers and birds), reflecting the Song people's appreciation for nature and aesthetics.

B. The Ming and Qing dynasties: Peak of Craftsmanship

The Ming (1368 - 1644 CE) and Qing (1644 - 1912 CE) dynasties marked the golden age of Lu Embroidery. Artisans achieved a high level of mastery in stitching techniques, such as split - stitch, satin stitch, and chain stitch, which allowed them to create highly realistic and three - dimensional images. The use of color became more sophisticated, with a harmonious combination of bright and muted tones to convey different moods and atmospheres.

Commercialization also flourished during this period. Numerous embroidery workshops emerged, producing a large quantity of Lu Embroidery products for both domestic and international markets. These products ranged from small decorative items like handkerchiefs and fans to large - scale tapestries and screen panels, meeting the diverse needs of customers.

C. Modern Era: Preservation and Revitalization

In modern times, Lu Embroidery has faced challenges from industrialization and changing consumer preferences. However, the Chinese government and relevant organizations have taken active measures to protect and revitalize this traditional art form. Lu Embroidery has been included in the national list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and various training programs and research projects have been launched to ensure the continuation of its techniques and the training of new artisans.

At the same time, contemporary designers and artists are exploring new ways to incorporate Lu Embroidery into modern fashion, home decor, and art installations. By combining traditional techniques with modern design concepts, they are creating innovative works that appeal to a global audience, giving Lu Embroidery a new lease on life.

A. Delicate and Precise Stitches

One of the most distinctive features of Lu Embroidery is its delicate and precise stitches. Artisans use fine silk threads and a variety of stitching techniques to create smooth and even lines, giving the embroidery a refined and elegant appearance. The split - stitch technique, in particular, is widely used to achieve a high level of detail and realism, allowing the artisans to depict fine hair, feathers, and textures with great accuracy.

B. Elegant and Harmonious Patterns

Lu Embroidery is known for its elegant and harmonious patterns. The designs often draw inspiration from nature, including flowers, birds, animals, and landscapes, which are arranged in a balanced and aesthetically pleasing way. Traditional auspicious motIFS, such as dragons, phoenixes, and bats, are also commonly used, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and happiness. The patterns are not only visually appealing but also carry rich cultural connotations.

C. Blend of Realism and Abstraction

Lu Embroidery demonstrates a unique blend of realism and abstraction. While some works aim to depict objects with high realism, using detailed stitching and color gradients to create a lifelike effect, others adopt a more abstract approach, emphasizing the essence and spirit of the subject through simplified forms and bold colors. This combination of realism and abstraction gives Lu Embroidery a diverse and dynamic artistic style.

D. Rich Color Palette

The color palette of Lu Embroidery is rich and diverse, reflecting the vibrant culture of the Shandong region. Artisans have a deep understanding of color theory and use a combination of primary and secondary colors to create contrast and harmony. Bright colors like red, yellow, and green are often used to convey energy and vitality, while muted tones such as blue, purple, and brown are employed to create a sense of calm and elegance. The careful selection and combination of colors enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the embroidery.

A. Non - Material Cultural Heritage Status

Lu Embroidery was officially recognized as a national Intangible Cultural Heritage in China in 2008. This status has provided legal protection and financial support for the preservation and transmission of its techniques. The government has implemented a series of policies and measures to encourage the establishment of embroidery workshops, training centers, and research institutions, promoting the development of Lu Embroidery and the training of new artisans.

B. Apprenticeship - Based Transmission

The apprenticeship - based transmission system has been the traditional way of passing down Lu Embroidery techniques for generations. Young apprentices learn the art from experienced masters through hands - on training, starting with basic stitches and gradually progressing to more complex patterns and techniques. This system not only ensures the accuracy of technique transmission but also allows for the passing down of cultural knowledge, artistic values, and work ethics from one generation to the next.

C. Modern Education and Research

In addition to the apprenticeship - based system, modern education and research institutions have also played an important role in the inheritance of Lu Embroidery techniques. Many art schools and universities offer courses in Lu Embroidery, providing a more systematic and theoretical approach to learning. Research institutions are dedicated to studying the history, techniques, materials, and cultural significance of Lu Embroidery, contributing to its scientific preservation and development.

A. Shandong Embroidery Museum

Located in Jinan, the capital city of Shandong Province, the Shandong Embroidery Museum is a must - visit destination for those interested in Lu Embroidery. It is a comprehensive institution that showcases the history, techniques, and masterpieces of Lu Embroidery. Visitors can watch skilled artisans at work, learn about the different stitching techniques through interactive displays, and view a wide collection of Lu Embroidery works, from ancient relics to modern creations.

B. Qufu Confucian Temple and Mansion

Qufu, the hometown of Confucius, is not only a cultural and historical city but also a place where Lu Embroidery has a long - standing tradition. The Qufu Confucian Temple and Mansion house a number of Lu Embroidery works that reflect the influence of Confucian culture on the art form. Visitors can admire embroidery pieces with themes related to Confucian ethics, such as filial piety, loyalty, and benevolence, and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context of Lu Embroidery.

C. Rural Embroidery Villages in Shandong

For a more authentic and immersive experience, visitors can also visit rural embroidery villages in Shandong. These villages are often home to families who have been engaged in Lu Embroidery for generations. Here, visitors can witness the traditional way of life of embroidery artisans, participate in embroidery workshops to learn basic stitches, and interact with local people to learn about the cultural stories behind each piece of embroidery.

A. "Embroidery of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea"

Created during the Ming Dynasty, "Embroidery of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" is one of the most renowned Lu Embroidery works in history. The piece depicts the legendary scene where the Eight Immortals, each with their own magical powers, cross the sea on their respective mounts. The artisans have used a variety of stitching techniques to create a sense of movement and dynamism, making the immortals appear to be in mid - flight. The use of color is also masterful, with each immortal's clothing and mount rendered in distinct and vibrant colors, enhancing the overall visual impact of the work. This masterpiece is now housed in a well - known museum and is considered a national treasure.

B. "Phoenix and Peony Embroidery Screen"

The "Phoenix and Peony Embroidery Screen" is another classic example of Lu Embroidery's excellence. The screen features a pair of phoenixes dancing among peonies, symbols of beauty, prosperity, and good fortune in Chinese culture. The artisans have used a combination of delicate stitches and rich colors to create a visually striking effect. The phoenixes are depicted with intricate details, from their feathers to their expressions, while the peonies are rendered with a sense of realism and vitality. The three - dimensional effect is also prominent, with the phoenixes and peonies appearing to leap off the screen.

C. "Landscape Embroidery Tapestry"

Lu Embroidery has also been used to create stunning landscape works. The "Landscape Embroidery Tapestry" is a large - scale embroidery that depicts a serene and picturesque mountain landscape. The artisans have used a variety of stitching techniques to represent the different elements of the landscape, such as the mountains, rivers, trees, and clouds. The use of color is also exquisite, with a harmonious combination of blues, greens, and browns to convey the tranquility and beauty of nature. This work demonstrates the ability of Lu Embroidery to capture the essence of natural scenery and create a sense of immersion for the viewer.