Lady Embroidering

According to Chinese literature, a woman embroidering holds multiple meanings. It could simply reference a gentlewoman’s hobby, perceived by men to be a superficial pastime. However, it could also convey a woman’s sexual attraction or allure. The inclusion of orchids, fingered citrons known as Buddha’s Hand, and a landscape painting in her charming room show her refined taste.

During the 1700s, shops often outsourced embroidery production to women, who only worked from home, like the woman in this painting. Guige xiu, embroidery by women in upper-class families, were particularly pricy and in demand. The names of women who worked behind the scenes in the male-dominated textile industry remain largely unknown.