Radio Taiwan International 
Date: 03 May, 2019
By: John Van Trieste

Master embroiderer Chen Li You-mei shows off her work.

The indigenous Paiwan people of southern Taiwan have a proud tradition of decorative embroidery. Plants, animals, human figures, and geometric designs all feature, often standing out in bright colors against a black background.

For over 60 years, one master embroiderer has been working to keep this tradition alive. But while some of her works might fetch high prices, she has no one to pass her art on to.

Chen Li You-mei never really has a plan when she sits down in her embroidery workshop. She doesn’t need one, though. She’s now 77, and has a lifetime of experience with needles, thread, and cloth.

She comes from the indigenous Paiwan group of Taiwan’s far south. Her works draws inspiration from her daily life, but they are also deeply rooted in Paiwan culture. The color schemes and patterns, and even the choice of motifs like the hundred-pacer snake all draw on old traditions.    [FULL  STORY]