A human touch

Unlike Zou, whose works are more like art pieces, embroiderer Fu Xianghong's products are often made for everyday use.

Sitting in her studio in Suzhou, where large-size embroidery pieces of flowers, birds and animals hang on walls, the 59-year-old says that, for her, Su embroidery is a kind of art that decorates life. Exquisite silk cellphone bags, fan bags, clothes with Su embroidery patterns, accessories, floor screens, and even furniture, are among her range of products.

She has an exhibition hall to showcase the wedding clothes made for her daughter and grandchildren. The garments, with their exquisite and elaborate needlework, took her several years to finish and have won her lots of praise.

"For me, clothes are just one kind of medium to showcase Su embroidery, the only interest and passion in my life," says Fu.