SND family recognized for passing down Su embroidery

A family from Suzhou New District (SND) was recognized as one of the 10 most beautiful families in Suzhou for the efforts of three generations in passing down the traditional skills of making Su embroidery, one of China's four most famous embroidery styles, according to the results of a "most beautiful family" contest released Nov 28.

The fifth Suzhou "most beautiful family" contest was launched by the Suzhou publicity department, Suzhou civilization office and the Suzhou Federation of Women. The contest was aimed at carrying forward the best family traditions in Chinese culture.

The laureate-winning family is from Zhenhu town in SND, and consists of Yu Zhujun, her mother, Lu Meihong, and her grandmother, Lu Juying.

Yu's mother and grandmother are both senior handcraft masters. After Yu graduated from college, she also took over the mantle of learning Su embroidery.

Lu Juying is known for her remarkable contributions to the promotion of Su embroidery in Zhenhu town. She has cultivated many young skilled workers in the handcraft.

Twenty years ago, she started sharing her purchase orders with other workers, prompting many locals to be engaged in making Su embroidery.

She also invited experts from the Suzhou Embroidery Institute to offer training to locals in Zhenhu town.

Her daughter, Lu Meihong, was an ever-victorious artist in many national events. Her work was even presented as a national gift by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to distinguished foreign guests.

Lu Meihong was also renowned for her selfless guidance of leaners from underdeveloped areas, doing this in the hope of helping them improve their livelihoods.

Yu Zhujun got a job at a foreign-funded firm after graduation from Soochow University. However, she resigned from the company and devoted herself to embroidery art after missing her involvement in the art form.

Her works were honored with awards at the Yangzhou Cultural Industry Fair in 2017. In 2019, Yu was elected a member of the 12th Jiangsu Youth Federation.