Shao Xiaocheng is the founder of the Chinese Embroidery Research Institute, an independent private institution dedicated to the study, preservation, teaching, and practice of Chinese embroidery.

Born in 1957, Shao Xiaocheng has spent more than three decades researching, creating, teaching, and transmitting traditional Chinese embroidery. Her work covers a wide range of historical embroidery traditions, regional schools, stitch techniques, visual styles, and cultural meanings, from ancient Chinese embroidery to folk and ethnic embroidery practices.

Her long-term work combines historical study, close observation of surviving textile objects, technical reconstruction, hand practice, and artistic creation. Rather than treating embroidery only as decorative craft, she approaches it as a visual art shaped by silk, thread, image, hand discipline, aesthetic judgment, and cultural memory.

Shao has introduced Chinese embroidery into higher education and has developed a working path that connects research, practice, transmission, and preservation. Through teaching, publications, exhibitions, cultural activities, and studio practice, she has contributed to the study and continued transmission of traditional Chinese embroidery.

Shao Xiaocheng’s work is rooted in both research and hand practice. She has devoted many years to studying historic embroidery traditions, including Song embroidery, Gu embroidery, Lu embroidery, court embroidery, kesi, Jing embroidery, and other important forms of Chinese textile art.

Her research is not limited to stitch technique. It also involves image interpretation, material understanding, historical evidence, transmitted objects, painterly spirit, aesthetic expression, and the cultural meaning carried by embroidered works.

Through this approach, she seeks to understand how Chinese embroidery can express the spirit of painting, the refinement of silk and thread, and the cultural atmosphere of different historical periods.

Shao Xiaocheng’s long-term research has led to a number of publications on Chinese embroidery appreciation, stitch methods, and traditional embroidery art. Her works include:

• The Treasury of Chinese Embroidery Appreciation

• Chinese Embroidery: An Illustrated Stitch Guide

• An Illustrated Guide to the Art of Embroidery

• Classic Chinese Embroidery Stitches: Learning from the Master

• The Dictionary of Classic Chinese Embroidery Stitches: Learning from the Master

Through these books, she has helped readers, learners, collectors, and embroidery enthusiasts understand Chinese embroidery not only as handwork, but also as a field of visual culture, technical knowledge, and traditional aesthetics.

Shao Xiaocheng currently serves as the director of the Beijing Shao Xiaocheng Embroidery Research Institute. She has also served as a visiting professor for the embroidery graduate program at the School of Ethnology and Sociology, Minzu University of China.

She is a Senior Arts and Crafts Artist and has been associated with professional arts and crafts organizations, embroidery research, cultural exchange, and public education activities related to traditional Chinese embroidery.

Engaged in embroidery work in a family workshop.

Established Shanlin Traditional Embroidery Silk Art Studio.

Participated in the Fourth World Women’s Congress with the embroidery work “牵牛花” (Morning Glory) and received an award.

The embroidery work “牵牛花” went on a global tour.

Embroidered an artistic embroidery piece “簪花仕女图” (Lady with Hairpin Flowers), which was privately collected in Germany.

Participated in the 6th China Arts Festival Exhibition with the embroidery work “娄师白画牵牛花” (Morning Glory by Lou Shiba).

Recorded in the book “Chinese Contemporary Arts and Crafts Collection” published by Jiangsu Fine Arts Publishing House.

The embroidery work “花篮” (Flower Basket) was recorded in the book “CHINESE EMBROIDERY—AN ILLUSTRATED STITCH GUIDE.”

The Beijing-style embroidery piece “米芾书法砚山铭” (Calligraphy and Inkstone Inscription by Mi Fu) won the Bronze Award at the first Beijing Arts and Crafts Biennial Exhibition.

The artwork “对弈” (Chess Game) was recorded in the Beijing International Academic Symposium and Art Collection.

Embroidered the artwork “清明上河图·虹桥段” (Qingming Riverside Scene, Rainbow Bridge Section), which was privately collected in Taiwan.

Participated in the Embroidery Collection Seminar and delivered a speech.

The embroidery piece “茶花” (Tea Flowers) was recorded in the book “China Arts and Crafts Century New Works” published by the Chinese Arts and Crafts Society.

Invited by the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, USA, to participate in the “Exhibition of Ming Dynasty Court Art” and conducted embroidery experience activities to promote Chinese embroidery culture.

The embroidery work “梧桐绶带图” (Wutong Ribbon) participated in the “China Arts and Crafts Exhibition – Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China” at the China National Art Museum.

Awarded the title of “Senior Arts and Crafts Master” by the Chinese Arts and Crafts Society.

Invited to the special exhibition of the 2nd World Youth Representatives Conference of UNESCO International Folk Art Organization, where the embroidery works “芙蓉鲤鱼” (Lotus Carp), “白度母” (White Tara), and “打籽绣” (Seed Stitch Embroidery) received awards for “Most Beautiful Cultural Heritage” and “Best Cultural Inheritance.”

Participated in the Beijing Arts and Crafts Society’s 5th China-Japan Art and Handicrafts Exchange Exhibition and delivered an academic lecture on “Innovative Embroidery in Modern and Contemporary Times.”

Invited to participate in the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States Art Festival – Intangible Cultural Heritage and Traditional Culture Exhibition” cultural exchange event.

Participated in the first China Contemporary Arts and Crafts Biennial Exhibition at the China National Museum with the embroidery works “繁花凤舞” (Flourishing Flowers and Dancing Phoenix), “唐花图案” (Tang Dynasty Floral Pattern) in the Nasha Embroidery style, and “牧牛图” (Shepherd Boy) jointly embroidered by Shao Xiaocheng and Xiao Yao.

Participated in the second China Contemporary Arts and Crafts Biennial Exhibition at the China National Museum with the embroidery works “西施” (Xi Shi), “蓝鹊枇杷图” (Blue Magpies and Loquat Trees), and “米芾书法手卷·多景楼” (Calligraphy Handscroll by Mi Fu, Multiple Scenery Tower) jointly embroidered by Shao Xiaocheng and Xiao Lin.

Participated in the third China Contemporary Arts and Crafts Biennial Exhibition at the China National Museum with the Jingxiu Art Embroidery work “大千画.绿度母” (Great Thousand Realms Painting, Green Tara).

Participated in the fourth China Contemporary Arts and Crafts Biennial Exhibition at the China National Museum with the Jingji Embroidery work “锦绣年华” (Splendid Years), which was reserved and collected by the Chinese Arts and Crafts Museum.