Beijing embroidery represents a unique piece in the treasure house of Chinese arts and crafts. Compared with the same art in the south part of China, Beijing embroidery has its own distinctive characteristics in its pursuit of proportion, symmetry and richness in composition of design, miscellaneous but orderly. Its magnificent color coupled with clearly demarcated texture and precise stitch fully showcase the passionate, bold and unstrained character of the people residing in the north part of China, which is more evidently reflected in the robes used by the imperial family.
The themes reflected in the embroidered mats and costumes of Beijing embroidery are based mostly on traditional custom and beliefs by means of strong decorative techniques, using the designs of dragon, phoenix, peacock, pines and cranes, boys and peony etc. or having them mixed to symbolize luckiness and happiness, thus displaying the prosperity and dignity of the imperial family as well as the best wishes of the populace and materializing in all respects the perfect amalgamation cultures of Man and Han nationalities.
The main categories of Beijing embroidery include embroidered mats, hanging mats, cushion cover, bathrobe, imitation of antique costumes, boxes and bags, which are made by inheriting and carrying forward the traditional techniques with extensive designs drawn literary quotation and folk-custom.