Yao Xiao (Martin Xiao)
Editor · Researcher · Writer
Yao Xiao (Martin Xiao) is an editor at China Youth Press, researcher, and writer working across Chinese embroidery, publishing, digital publishing, and English-language research communication. His work focuses on embroidery traditions, publications, visual and documentary materials, and the presentation of Chinese embroidery research for English-language readers.
About Yao Xiao
Yao Xiao (Martin Xiao) works across publishing and Chinese embroidery research. As an editor at China Youth Press, his professional work includes art and traditional culture publishing. In Chinese embroidery-related publications, he has held distinct roles as author, co-author, and responsible editor.
His research and publishing work also involves organizing images, bibliographic information, documentary materials, and digital content related to Chinese embroidery and kesi. Through EmbArts, he develops English-language research and reference material for readers outside China.
In historical publication records, his name may appear as Xiao Yao. Those original attributions are retained where they belong.
Areas of Work
Chinese Embroidery Research
Stitch systems, regional traditions, materials, visual structure, historical context, and related textile knowledge.
Publishing & Editorial Work
Developing, writing, editing, and organizing publications on art, traditional culture, and Chinese embroidery.
Documentation & Digital Publishing
Organizing images, bibliographic information, documentary materials, and source-led digital content.
English-language Research & Communication
Developing English-language explanations, references, and research materials for overseas readers interested in Chinese embroidery.
Selected Publications
中国历代刺绣缂丝鉴赏与投资
A public bibliographic record lists Xiao Yao as the sole author.
Chinese Embroidery: An Illustrated Stitch Guide
Tuttle Publishing lists Shao Xiaocheng and Xiao Yao as authors; the book’s internal credits distinguish text by Shao Xiaocheng and embroidery works by Shao Xiaocheng and Xiao Yao. Read the English-language book page.
The Illustrated Art of Embroidery (《图说刺绣艺术》)
Written by Shao Xiaocheng; Yao Xiao (Martin Xiao) served as responsible editor.
中国刺绣经典针法图典：跟着大师学刺绣
Shanghai Scientific & Technical Publishers lists Shao Xiaocheng and Xiao Yao as authors.
Selected EmbArts Research & Writing
An overview of stitch names, materials, and historical context.
An examination of metallic threads and couching structures.
Practical observations for looking closely at workmanship.
A comparison of structural approaches to double-sided embroidery.
An explanation of texture, stitch form, and cultural meaning.
An introduction to the Chinese term and its meaning for English-language readers.
An explanation of counted stitching over gauze.
Regional history and practice in the Chengdu tradition.
Work with EmbArts
EmbArts is an English-language research and learning platform focused on Chinese embroidery. Yao Xiao contributes research, writing, editorial development, visual documentation, and digital publishing to the platform. His work on EmbArts connects published sources, textile terminology, images, and practical knowledge with English-language research content.
For broader institutional information, see About Chinese Embroidery Institute.
Research, publishing, or institutional enquiries
For research questions, publication enquiries, or institutional communication, please use the EmbArts contact page.