Answer: Traditional handcraft techniques still hold an important place in modern Chinese embroidery, particularly in areas with high artistic and cultural value. However, with advancements in technology, computer spray-painted base embroidery has gradually become widespread and poses certain threats to traditional hand embroidery. Computer spray-painted base embroidery involves using a printer to print the embroidery base map, followed by the actual embroidery process. While this technique has increased efficiency to some extent, it has also brought several issues:

Decline in Artistic Value: Hand embroidery is renowned for its intricate stitches and unique craftsmanship, with every stitch and thread reflecting the artisan’s dedication. In contrast, computer spray-painted base embroidery lacks the soul of this handcraft art, as the mechanical processing of the base map results in works that lack vitality and uniqueness, significantly reducing their artistic value.

Break in Cultural Heritage: Traditional hand embroidery is not just a display of craftsmanship but also a transmission of culture, reflecting rich historical backgrounds and folk customs. The prevalence of computer spray-painted base embroidery may weaken people’s interest in traditional handcrafts, especially among the younger generation, who may lose interest in learning and passing on these traditional techniques, putting cultural heritage at risk of interruption.

Inconsistent Quality: While computer spray-painted base embroidery has advantages in speed and efficiency, the quality of the products is often inconsistent. Since the process relies on the printing quality of the base map and subsequent embroidery craftsmanship, some low-quality products enter the market, affecting the overall image of embroidery art.

Environmental Issues: The process of computer spray-painted base embroidery involves the use of printers and ink materials, which can cause environmental pollution. These chemical substances produce waste and emissions during production and use, negatively impacting the environment. In contrast, traditional hand embroidery uses natural dyes, which are more environmentally friendly.

Impact on Artisans’ Livelihood: The widespread adoption of computer spray-painted base embroidery threatens the livelihood of hand embroidery artisans. A large number of inexpensive computer spray-painted base embroidery products entering the market makes it difficult for handmade embroidery works to compete, potentially leading many traditional artisans to lose their source of income.

Nowadays, most Chinese embroideries produced after the 1990s are essentially computer spray-painted base embroideries.

Unembroidered inkjet print

Embroidered inkjet print