The Cat That Turns Twice
United Nations Registration No.00177
Heritage Since
Rooted in Su embroidery lineage spanning 2,500 years of artistic refinement
Collector Grade
Features one of the rarest Suzhou embroidery styles—true dual-color illusion on silk
Manual Hours
Completed in 60–90 hours using hair-fine silk threads and mirror-symmetry planning
📜 Story Behind the Craft
In Jiangnan’s misty poetic world, a cat plays under a willow tree—yet from one side, it is golden, and from the other, gray. This piece is a tribute to duality and harmony in nature, capturing the fleeting charm of feline playfulness in Suzhou’s ancient art form. The motif represents luck and elegance, while the reversible image challenges visual expectations and embroidery mastery.
📐 Product Specifications
- Artwork dimensions: 16.1 × 18.9 inches
- Embroidery type: Double-sided Suzhou embroidery
- Frame: Carved wooden stand included
- Style: Dual-face design – yellow cat on one side, gray on the reverse
- Material: Fine silk threads on silk organza
- Color: Off-white base with multicolor silk embroidery
🤝 Made with Care
This piece is entirely hand-embroidered using ultra-fine silk threads dyed in natural pigments. No backing or knots are visible, maintaining seamless symmetry on both sides. The display frame is crafted from solid wood with traditional Chinese carving details, polished for display longevity.
🧵 Craftsmanship & Ingredients
- Embroidery Technique: Advanced double-sided color-shift embroidery (“Yi Se Shuang Mian Xiu”), where each side reveals a distinct design with no interference between threads
- Threads: Over 100 shades of dyed silk, creating lifelike fur texture and color blending
- Construction: Precision-stitched fur direction for each feline form, with fine needlework varying in stitch length and density
- Base: Solid wood with classical openwork carving
🌏 Artisan & Origin Spotlight
Su embroidery hails from Suzhou, often called the “City of Silk and Needle.” This work was made by a master embroiderer trained in traditional techniques passed down for generations. Double-sided embroidery is considered one of the highest forms of Suzhou embroidery, requiring exceptional symmetry and spatial precision.
🏛️ Cultural Heritage Recognition
Rooted in Imperial Silk and Embroidery Traditions
As one of China’s “Four Great Embroideries,” Suzhou embroidery combines elegance, grace, and unmatched technical detail. The double-sided embroidery technique in this piece is a hallmark of China's sophisticated needlework legacy.
UNESCO ICH Recognition
🔖 UNESCO ICH No.00177: Chinese Sericulture and Silk Craftsmanship
🔗 Learn more at the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage website →
Choosing this artwork means embracing one of the finest expressions of Chinese silk artistry—capturing life and spirit through thread, from both sides of the story.
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