Suzhou Silk Embroidery 苏绣

Suzhou Fans 苏扇

Suzhou's Biluochun Tea 碧螺春茶

Suzhou Writing Brushes 苏州毛笔

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Suzhou Silk Embroidery 苏绣
Embroidery has been a Suzhou specialty for centuries. Originally introduced to the general public by unmarried “high society” girls, the craft gradually became a major export with Suzhou as its key production center.  While several regions of southern China are renowned for their silk production, double-sided embroidery – meaning embroidery done skillfully on both sides of the material – is an art particular to Suzhou. 

The finest embroidered silks are recognizable by the incredibly thin silk thread used in the design stitching process and the deftly woven silk used as a base.  More affordable versions are made with synthetic threads on a silk base, and can be just as lovely.

There are many fakes out there – use the burn or “snap tests” to help determine whether or not material is genuine.  When examining for quality of workmanship, check the fineness of threads and the multitude of shades – more subtle thread colors used in design means more care and attention went into the production of your embroidery.

Suzhou Textiles, Silk, Light industrial Products, Arts and Carfts Import & Export Co., Ltd.
This import-export company sells quality textiles and garments for men and women in silk, denim and cotton.
Add: 7th Floor, International Economic and Trade Mansion, No.6, Xihuan road, Suzhou
Tel: 0512-68620462
Web: http://www.sztsla.com/

Suzhou Silkshop Co., Ltd
Uses the ancient art of silk crafting to create stunning modern fashions.  Buy tailored jackets for men and women, dresses and formal wear that embody what the Chinese call “the perfect marriage between man and nature”. 
Add: 537 Renmin Road Suzhou
Tel: 0512-67292245
Fax: 01512-67276700
Web: http://www.suzhousilkshop.com/

Suzhou Fans 苏扇
Decorated with natural scenes, calligraphy or wooden filigree, beautiful Suzhou folding fans are traditionally crafted by hand.  Though factory-made fans can make alluring gifts, higer-end fans are carved, whittled and sanded by local craftsmen using the most exquisite materials. 

Aromatic woods, such as sandalwood and cypress, are prized for their faint natural scent.  Fans inscribed or painted by famous artists likewise fetch a higher price. Artisans take great care in carving latticework on the wooden frames, a technique intended to make the fan both more appealing and lighter to carry.
The most famous place to pick up quality fans in Suzhou is the Zuzhou Fan Factory, located on Liaojia Lane.

Zuzhou Fan Factory
Add: No.27 Liaojia Xiang, Toahuawu Dajia, Suzhou
Tel: 0512-67533231
Website: http://www.sz-shanchang.com

Suzhou's Biluochun Tea 碧螺春茶
After one cup of Biluochen tea, Emperor Kangxi showered praises on the strongly aromatic blend.  The tea gets its name from Biluo Mountain on which it is harvested.  As opposed to most teas, wherein the whole leaf is used, Biluochen only consists of the leaf tips, and the rolling process is done by hand.  Because of the labor-intensive harvesting and preparation required, Biluochun can cost anywhere from RMB350-RMB4500/kilogram. 

Suzhou Writing Brushes 苏州毛笔
In ancient times, while writers elsewhere were scratching out letters with feather quills, the Chinese were using soft brushes to formulate written communications.  Today, the writing brush is still included among the “four treasures of the study”, along with the ink stone, ink stick and paper.  Suzhou’s writing brushes are notably well-made, though in actual fact they originated in Zhejiang province.  

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