Suzhou Embroidery. Anonymous.
211 × 305 cm
Twelve Beauties from Dream of the Red Chamber is a hallmark of Suzhou Embroidery, vividly portraying the lives and personalities of the twelve main female characters from the classic Chinese novel. The composition is richly detailed and emotionally nuanced, showcasing masterful embroidery techniques. In the scene depicting Lin Dai-Yu burying flowers, a white crane symbolizes her aloofness and sorrow. Behind Miao-Yu, blooming lotus flowers evoke her purity and solitary fate. The central panel features Wang Xi-Feng and Xue Bao-Chai, framed by peonies, magnolias, and willows, highlighting their grace and confidence. The flowers and flowing garments ripple in the breeze, expressing the characters’ complex emotions and destinies. This work beautifully blends sumptuous artistry with poetic depth, offering a deeply moving visual narrative.