Writing is also a form of creation. Knowledge and reflections gathered through decades of fieldwork become books: a bridge to understanding patterns and culture.
A published outcome of Pattern Origins · 2020
Early Patterns of Miao Embroidery: Wordless Manuscript from Heaven
Written by Zeng Li
Working across a vast body of traditional Miao embroidery, Zeng Li identifies early forms of the patterns and distils their essential structures into line drawings, which she names “Pattern Origins”. For this book, she selected 100 drawings from the project, accompanied by village photographs and records, to support cultural continuity and contemporary creation.
Outstanding Work · Ethnic Publications · 10th National Book Design Art Exhibition, China · 2023
Guizhou People’s Publishing House · Book design: Liu Jin
Drawing on decades of fieldwork and collecting, this English-language book explores the stories, symbolism and interconnections of more than forty traditional Miao embroidery patterns. The imagery on clothing offers international readers a way into Miao beliefs and worldviews, and the cultural memories passed down through patterns.
Thrums Books · Volume 2 of a two-volume boxed set
IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award · Gold, Multicultural · USA, 2021
Awarded to the two-volume boxed set Every Thread A Story & The Secret Language of Miao Embroidery: Traditional Chinese Artisans of Guizhou Province, published by Thrums Books.
Drawing on the collecting and fieldwork of Zeng Xianyang and Zeng Li, this illustrated book explores Miao village life, embroidery techniques, pattern interpretation and the appreciation of historic textiles. It connects the art of embroidery with the beliefs and culture it carries.
Best Work · Ethnic Publications · 7th National Book Design Art Exhibition, China · 2009
Retracing her father Zeng Xianyang’s earlier photographic journeys, Zeng Li returned to Miao villages in Guizhou to document traditional clothing and the people wearing it. Earlier and later photographs are brought together to reveal changes in dress, village life and cultural transmission.
Merit Award · Ethnic Publications · 8th National Book Design Art Exhibition, China · 2013
Awarded as 苗装——重走一段百感交集的朝圣之旅. Guizhou People’s Publishing House · Book design: Liu Jin
Twelve Miao embroidery designs invite readers to explore through colouring. Choosing colours and observing the structures offers a way to experience the wishes for life carried by traditional patterns, and the pleasure of creating.