Young artisan transforms Miao embroidery into modern fashion accessories

By carrying forward his family's legacy, 23-year-old Miao artisan Liu Yongyi is breathing new life into the age-old craft of embroidery.

As a native Miao, Liu's passion for embroidery was passed down through generations of women in his family. "Grandma's bird-embroidered jacket tells stories, and my mother's sash carries mountain ballads," he said. Today, he works in a 20-square-meter studio in Zunyi, Guizhou province, wearing traditional Miao attire as he traces ancient patterns onto freshly dyed fabric.

Liu blends practical use with artistic flair to create over 100 original designs, from car air fresheners and patchwork shoulder bags to embroidered brooches. His redesigned car air fresheners alone have sold more than 200 units.