On first viewing, these stunning portraits appear to be almost photographic in their detail, but on closer examination the extraordinary skill of the artist becomes apparent. These amazing images are actually embroidered by hand, using traditional Chinese silk embroidery techniques. The use of silk was discovered by the Chinese thousands of years ago, and an astounding cultural art form has developed from this early discovery, handed down from generation to generation.

Master Jingbo Wong has perfected the technique of transforming photographic portraits, images and famous artworks into breathtaking embroidered pieces, intricately produced with thousands upon thousands of tiny stitches. The detail and colours of his silk embroideries are astounding, and the skills he has honed over thirty years of diligent study and creativity are second to none.

Originally trained as a painter, Master Wong graduated from the Shanghai Play Institute and perfected his unique embroidery in a famous Shandong embroidery studio. Whilst learning his art Jingbo Wong also developed a groundbreaking dyeing technique, which preserves colour and minimises silk discolouration. His work has won many national awards and is now exhibited all over the world. At the age of 59, he is undoubtedly one of the most talented and original Chinese embroidery artists living today.

Specialising in photographic images and portraits, Master Wong has agreed to produce a strictly limited number of commissioned silk embroideries, and will recreate your own choice of portrait or image using these techniques handed down over the centuries.

Chinese silk embroidery

China has been synonymous with silk and embroidery for thousands of years. The use of silk was discovered by the Chinese, and there are records of silkworms domesticated for silk production dating back over 5000 years. The art became widespread during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D.) and a few examples of these ancient silks may be seen in museums and collections today.

Silk embroidery occupies an important position in the history of Chinese art and the techniques developed have remained largely unchanged over thousands of years. Skills handed down from generation to generation are used to create some of the most intricate and beautiful designs seen in traditional folk art.

Today, silk art may be found across China, and each region has its distinct style. Suzhou, Henan, Sichuan and Lu (Shandong) style all have unique features, yet the basic premise remains the same. The artist splits the hair-thick dyed silk filament into half, quarter, 1/8 and even 1/48 strands and embroiders a stretched silk 'canvas' with thousands of minute stitches, barely perceptible to the naked eye. Producing a highly intricate piece may take the artist several months, and an astounding level of skill and concentration is required, particularly to conceal the thousands of ends and loose strands that disappear as if by magic.

Subjects can vary from traditional Oriental designs, depicting dragons, tigers lions and butterflies in the unmistakable Chinese style, yet recently artists have also applied their skills to western imagery, bringing a new perspective and these techniques to a wider audience.

We aim to bring you some of the finest examples of this intricate and timeless art form. We hope you enjoy these rare and beautiful silk treasures just as much as we do.

Straw Picture

Straw patchwork is an ancient Chinese folk-art form, originally found in the royal collection of the Sui Dynasty (581 - 618 AD). These age-old skills and techniques were rediscovered in the early eighties by Chinese artists. Through years of experimentation, research and refinement, this once lost art form has now been perfected, and has come alive again.

The process begins by soaking wheat straw, then smoking, steaming and bleaching the result. The straw is then flattened, and the enormous variety of hues and shades are carbonised into the surface of the strands through ironing. Finally the straw is cut and woven, and formed into the amazing images seen here. Common themes are traditional landscapes, animals and birds, but there is no real limit to the artists' creativity.

The resulting images reflect the intricacy of traditional Chinese silk art combined with the natural woody colours and textures of the straw. The images are three dimensional and raised, as layer on layer of minutely carved straw is used to build up a complex and fascinatingly delicate frieze.

We are proud to include a selection of original works by Mr. Cui and his assistance, who has been practising this skill for over 30 years.

Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese Calligraphy is an ancient art form widely practised throughout China to this day. It is an abstract art based on the Chinese written words as its vehicle of expression. However, one does not necessarily need to know the meaning of the Chinese word to appreciate the beauty of Chinese calligraphy. Graphically it is like a painting which can evoke emotion through its rich variety of form and stokes.

Practicing calligraphy can also bring physical and spiritual benefits to the practitioner, as it requires imagination, discipline, concentration, patience and persistence.

For the home or office decoration, calligraphic art is often best exhibited mounted in a simple frame.

Chinese Seal Engravings

Chinese seal engraving is a famous symbol of Chinese Culture, as the ancient seals inscriptions are commonly found on many Chinese art forms, as well as important documents. In ancient time the signature from a seal often represents authority and power.

Aesthetically, seal carving is a graphic art, consisting of calligraphy and carving, It generally consists of a carving inscription (signature) from quality polished stone, although ancient seals were mainly made of bronze. The other end of the seal are often also elaborately carved, with pre-carved animal structures representing the Chinese Zodiac being a particularly popular scheme.

Pacific Tones

This young artist from the Solomon Islands brings to his work a unique flavour of his Pacific heritage. Gibson Ben came to England in 2000 to marry his English wife, whom he had met in his island paradise. His natural talent developed in the simple surroundings where he grew up. His village on Malaita Island has no electricity and water comes from the communal standpipe, but it boasts rich cultural heritage and the vivid colours and natural scenery to fire an artist's imagination.

Gibson creates stencils and uses screen-printing techniques to produce fantastic under the sea pictures of the Pacific coral landscape and also cultural scenes such as tribal dancers or wedding celebrations. Adjoined to his sign writing skills, he can produce this work on banners, signs and t-shirts as well as paintings.