Weaving Ningbo's heritage: A patchwork masterpiece gains global recognition

chinadaily.com.cn| Updated: March 28, 2025 L M S

Fu Chunye and the curator of the International Quilt Museum pose for a photo in front of the collected work. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

A stunning piece of patchwork art, crafted from over 500 bolts of fabric and millions of stitches, is helping spread Ningbo's rich culture around the world.

Fu Chunye, a textile artisan from Ningbo's Beilun district, recently won the bronze award at the 10th China Patchwork Creative Design Competition for her piece The Story of Shuangshiren Mountain. The work has been permanently collected by the International Quilt Museum in the United States, the world's largest public quilt collection.

Once a neighborhood tailor, Fu taught herself quilting over the course of three decades, mastering embroidery and applique. Now known as a "patchwork magician", she blends tradition with modern aesthetics in her intricate creations.

To authentically capture her hometown, Fu explored every corner of Shuangshiren Mountain, studying its landscapes in different lighting and seasons. In her artwork, embroidered azaleas glisten with morning dew, and layered stitches form drifting clouds.

"These fabrics tell the stories of my hometown," Fu says.

In addition to creating her own work, Fu is dedicated to passing on her craft. She mentors young artisans through workshops and training, ensuring that the traditional art of patchwork continues to thrive for generations to come.