FORBIDDEN STITCH Chinese Maio Silk Embroidery with Gold Start Price USD 45.00 Current Price USD 45.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, July 04, 2008 End Time Friday, July 11, 2008 Location Oklahoma City, OK See more about 'FORBIDDEN STITCH Chinese Maio Silk Embroidery with Gold' Description     From an Estate Old Forbidden Stitch and Gold Metallic Thread on Silk Traditional Southern Tribal Chinese Minority Miao (H'mong), Yao, Nong, or Lolo Embroidered Panel ~~~ Collected in the 1970s, Pristine condition. No loose threads or damage. Slightly wrinkled. There are some very, very slight smudges which appear to be original darkening of the silk from the organic starch used to stiffen the panel. These are not later damage, and do not detract from the piece. ~~~ This panel and the other two I am listing  have simply been in storage for about 30 years. ~~~ Dimensions: Entire panel - approximately 15 1/2" x 14" Inner embroidered panel - approximately 12 1/4" x 10 1/4" ~~~ This is true "Forbidden Stitch". There is much mythology about Forbidden Stitch, and I do not subscribe to the romantic legends about it. Forbidden Stitch is simply the finest, most intricate embroidery work. It is not illegal, nor does it cause blindness. ~ As an experiment, I tried doing Forbidden Stitch. It is extremely difficult, and my results were pathetic. Only a master seamstress can produce Forbidden Stitch after years of practice. By the time in her career when she is proficient at it, she would probably be old enough to need bifocals anyway. Forbidden Stitch does not cause blindness. But - headaches.  It does cause headaches. ~ Anyway, this large panel is very suitable for framing, and is gorgeous with rich natural-pigment colors. It appears to represent fanciful urns full of various flowers. ~ Photographed in natural outdoor light. Please note I do not ship outside of the USA. I do ship USPS insured at no extra cost to you. I am listing 2 other similiar panels, as well as some other Chinese antiques, and invite you to visit my other items. Yes, I do combine shipping. I welcome your questions.   Updated with further information in response to an excellent questions:  This panel is done ENTIRELY in Forbidden Stitch, with the 'couched' gold thread around the flowers and urns. There is no Satin Stitch or other stitches in this one. The other similiar peach color on gold silk panel I am listing has mixed Forbidden and Satin Stitches.         Place a Bid!