The craftsmanship of Xiamen bead embroidery. [Photo/fujian-szwhg.chaoxing.com]

Xiamen bead embroidery was included in the expanded projects of the traditional art category in the fifth batch of national representative intangible cultural heritage items.

This embroidery technique was introduced back to China from overseas at the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and features glass beads imported from abroad. Inspired by this art form, folk shoemaking artisans began embroidering various patterns of flowers and birds on shoe uppers using glass beads.

The primary materials used in bead embroidery are glass beads, electro-optical film, and velvet. The craft involves traditional techniques such as convex embroidery, flat embroidery, string embroidery, grain embroidery, random stitch embroidery, vertical stitch embroidery, and laminated embroidery, creating patterns in a bas-relief style.

Xiamen bead embroidery is characterized by unique decorative techniques and artistic styles, renowned for its novelty, richness, and splendor.