China is often hailed for producing the world's most beautiful embroidery, while Manchu embroidery represents the harsh and bold art style of northern China. The country's northeastern province of Liaoning boasts the largest population of ethnic Manchu. And the skill of making Manchu embroidery has been maintained well, thanks to the efforts of some craftswomen there. Bei Xiaoli is one of them.

Bei is one of few folk artists who devotes herself to the art of Manchu embroidery. By doing this, she makes a living for her family, in addition, she inherits a trade from her ancestors.

"Because I was ill and weak during my childhood, I was always taking leave to be at home when my classmates went to school. I saw my grandma and mother making embroidery. In the beginning I helped them to thread a needle, then gradually, I fell in love with the art," Bei said.

China is often hailed for producing the world's most beautiful embroidery, while Manchu embroidery represents the harsh and bold art style of northern China. The country's northeastern province of Liaoning boasts the largest population of ethnic Manchu. （File photo)）

Although nowadays women rarely take on the art, in the past, making embroidery was a basic life skill for women. I could have decided a girl's position among her peers. Furthermore, the esteem to her family. A fine piece of embroidery demonstrated a girl's intelligence and deft hand.

Girls were making embroidery for their dowry, including the pillows they might use in their married life. Their works would be displayed at their new home on their wedding day, to be appreciated by relatives and friends.

"What I'm working on is the cloth cover for a mirror. It will be lined with a black border, according to our tradition," She said.

Although Manchu embroidery is less delicate than that from the south, the remarkable northeast culture lends to its unique traits.

"Manchu embroidery has a very strong contrast of colors, which is their charm," she said.

Except for its bold colors and simple patterns, Manchu embroidery is really practical. It can be found in people's clothes, aprons, door curtains, and bibs and belly bands for kids.

"At the time of my grandma, they always forgot time when they were working... " she said.

Bei's husband has been unemployed for 20 years. So her family has always relied on her craft. But, as people get more and more concerned with traditional culture, her works are becoming increasingly popular, even with orders from folk museums or foreign collectors. They have made Ms. Bei very proud of Manchu embroidery.