Hand embroidered in silk, the intricate needlework of this creation is of the very highest quality. Over two months to complete, the artist Cai Ping Chen creates a piece of astounding complexity and beauty using traditional techniques not changed in 1000 years. Handed down from generation to generation, this technique is unique to rural China, particularly the Central province of Henan. The stitching is almost imperceptible to the naked eye and it is only on close inspection that the thousands and thousands of tiny hand-stitched silk threads may be seen. These pieces are generally rare to find, due to the scarcity of these skills and the time and diligence required to produce each intricate work of art. The embroidery depicts a vase in the Beijing style, with a traditional Flower Dragon design. Vases such as this could be found adorning important palaces, or would be given in pairs as wedding gifts to bless a newly married couple, promising happiness and a peaceful life together. 'Ping', meaning vase, may also be translated as 'peace' and is one of the many Chinese 'lucky words'which carry a variety of hidden meanings. The Dragon is found throughout Far Eastern culture, but is particularly significant in Chinese history and mythology. Representing power and the Emperor, the Dragon is viewed by many as an embodiment of the Chinese State. The Dragon is central to Chinese festivals and celebrations, and its image constantly recurs over thousands of years of Chinese history