Every Thread a Story & The Secret Language of Miao Embroidery

Every Thread a Story & The Secret Language of Miao Embroidery

Author: Wang Jun & Zeng Li

China’s ethnic minority textile artisans and their work are presented in a beautiful 2-volume boxed set.

Ethnic minority textiles of Guizhou Province China are vanishing. Modernization and tourism impact the future of skilled artisans and their ancient craft traditions. Every Thread a Story: Traditional Chinese Artisans of Guizhou Province provides a deep cultural experience of Guizhou’s dominant ethnic minority, the Miao and their related tribes, the Dong, Gejia, and Shui. The book takes you deep into the countryside and into the homes of 17 traditional artisans whose exquisite embroidery, wax resist indigo-dyed fabrics, handmade paper, and silver jewelry uphold ancient traditions

Every Thread a Story’s companion book, The Secret Language of Miao Embroidery, reveals the hidden meanings in the intricate, elegant motifs that have served in place of a written language for the Miao for centuries. Author Zeng Li has traveled among the Miao since her childhood, learning to understand and interpret their folkways, and presents a unique understanding of Miao symbols and patterns.

Wang Jun has been an international tour guide since 1996, specializing in the ethnic minority areas of Guizhou where he developed a love for the traditional culture. Through his decades of travel in Guizhou, he’s developed strong relationships with ethnic minority artisans and a deep knowledge of their textiles. LINDA LIGON is the publisher of Thrums Books, KAREN BROCK the associate publisher. They have published over 20 books, bringing to life the stories of indigenous artisans from across the globe, honoring diverse cultures, history, and craft traditions. For over four decades, JOE COCA’s award-winning photographs have documented daily life of traditional peoples throughout the world, culminating in the publication of his book The Human Thread: Photography of Joe Coca.

Zeng Li is the founder and director of the Miao’s Tales Costumes Museum in Guiyang. She has helped curate many exhibitions about Miao embroidery and frequently lectures about the history, traditions, and associated symbols. In 2009, she established the brand “Miao’s Tales,” applying traditional motifs to modern design.

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