Embroidery¹ in Song Dynasty

宋代的剌绣

The Song Dynasty saw a peak of development of embroidery in both quantity and quality. Embroidery developed into an art by combining calligraphy² and painting. Newtools and skills were invented. The Wenxiu Department was in charge of embroidery in the Song court. During the reign³ of Emperor Hui Zong，they divided embroidery into four categories ：mountains and waters,pavilions,people,and flower and birds. During this period,the art of embroidery came to its zenith and reputed workers popped up. Even intellects joined this activity,and embroidery was divided into two functions：art for daily use and art for art’s sake.

宋代是刺绣数量和质量发展的高峰期。刺绣与书画相结合发展成为一门艺术。新的工具和技术被发明。文绣部在宋代负责刺绣。在皇帝徽宗年间，他们把刺绣分为四类：山水，亭台楼阁，人物，和花鸟。在此期间，刺绣艺术达到了顶峰，并被誉为工人弹出。即使知识分子加入了这个活动，刺绣分为两种功能：日常使用的艺术和为艺术而生的艺术。