Books published by Shanghai Press

Goldwork embroidery is a traditional Chinese embroidery technique that was originally used in the court or palaces and was exclusive to nobility in ancient times. Similar embroidery techniques were used in Central Asia and Europe in ancient times as well. Today, this sort of technique, characterized by its diversity of thread textures, variety of techniques, unique three-dimensional shape, and ability to blend other embroidery styles, is familiar to and admired by embroidery enthusiasts all over the world. Through her practice in embroidery over the past two decades, Chen Daiyu has simultaneously studied both Chinese and European embroidery. Her work is unique in that it combines the beauty of both forms, making it uniquely original. In this book, she draws inspiration from elements of traditional Chinese painting, combining traditional Chinese silk embroidery with European goldwork embroidery to create stunning, elegant works with a unique Chinese aesthetic appeal. This volume combines images and text, taking the reader systematically through the world of goldwork embroidery with a step-by-step guide.

The word penjing can be roughly translated from the Chinese as potted scenery. It is the original, older form of the art of bonsai. Penjing aims to embody entire natural scenes within individual works. Penjing is sometimes described as Chinese landscape painting in three dimensions. It aims to make viewers feel as though they were really in nature, contemplating the ripples on the surface of a lake or sheltering from the sun in the shade of a tree. It is an art form that is still, yet full of dynamic energy, embodying the natural beauty of trees, stones, and water. The book gives detailed guidance and instruction to those who wish to create a vivid miniature landscape of their own. It also describes the creation process of several outstanding examples of forest penjing, with accompanying photographs from each stage of their journey towards completion. Meant for beginners and experts alike, the information and techniques outlined in this book can help sow the seed of a new love for penjing or to refine the craft of a seasoned penjing designer.

After planting a seed, the blue bird returns to find a full-grown tree, admiring how it changes through every season of the year. At first, she is delighted by its bright flowers and beautiful green leaves, but as winter approaches, the leaves fall, leaving the little tree barren and cold. The little tree worries that the blue bird won''t love it anymore now that its colorful flowers are gone. However, the blue bird continues to care for the tree through every change, so much so that she makes her home within its branches--keeping the tree company for the rest of their lives. A Blue Bird and Her Little Tree is a story of love that lasts through hard times and all of life''s ups and downs. The blue bird and her tree learn about loyalty and growth through whatever changes might come.

"When a special exhibition of terracotta warriors comes to town, Ming and his mother goes to see them at the museum. To remember this exciting event, Ming's mother buys him a little figurine of a general to keep in his room at home. But at midnight, Ming wakes up and finds the general figurine is alive and he has a copper carriage ready to take Ming to his home in Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Tomb in Xi'an, China"--Amazon.com.