The Story of Tan Yi

Born in the poetic water-town landscape of Jiangnan, Tan Yi developed a profound passion for fine arts and design from an early age. To perfect her unique embroidery technique, she completed advanced studies at the Changzhou Textile Institute, Suzhou Academy of Arts and Crafts, and Jiangnan University.

Today, Tan Yi is an esteemed member of the Jiangsu Arts and Crafts Society and is officially recognized as a Representative Inheritor of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Changzhou Random-Stitch Embroidery (乱针绣). Her works seamlessly bridge traditional cultural heritage with modern aesthetic appeal, making her one of the leading textile artists of her generation.

The Art of Random-Stitch Embroidery

Created by legendary master Yang Shouyu, Random-Stitch Embroidery (乱针绣) revolutionized traditional Chinese textile arts by merging Western oil painting techniques — such as perspective, light, and shadow — with traditional Eastern craftsmanship.

Unlike conventional embroidery which relies on rigid, parallel lines, Random-Stitch Embroidery utilizes layered, crisscross silk threads. The artist treats the needle as a brush and the fine silk thread as paint. By blending hundreds of different color shades across multiple structural layers, Tan Yi creates textured, vibrant masterpieces that possess breathtaking realism and depth.

Laurels & Honors

Masterpieces & Details

Take a closer look at the stunning realism achieved by combining thousands of premium silk threads. Every piece requires weeks or even months of intensive handcrafting.

“True artistry is not measured in speed, but in the depth of devotion poured into every thread.”