Embroidery was once a must for women of royal and common blood alike. Similarly making pottery was an essential for daily life. But a new exhibition of Chinese handicraft reveals the masterpieces that have been created in these fields.

For more than four years, artist Miao Wei has toiled on a project. Inspired by a famous painting, the Bian-style embroidery master from Henan Province eventually created a seven-meter long masterpiece, "Upriver During the Qingming Festival."

It is nothing short of exquisite, an explosion of vibrant colors and a testimony to her intricate skills.

Miao's piece is just one of more than 100 pieces currently on display at a spectacular exhibition of Chinese handicraft in a gallery on Duolun Road in Hongkou District.

The exhibition brings together a collection of unique native art forms that intricately combine the techniques of literature, painting and calligraphy.

It is believed to be a large show devoted to Chinese handicrafts in Shanghai.

To look at the handicrafts is to gaze into a world of artistic magnificence nurtured over the past 5,000 years.

Co-organized by Apollo Artwork Development Co of Shanghai People's Art Press and Shanghai Montartall Creative Design Co, the exhibition celebrates the work of 11 masters in zisha clay, pottery, embroidery, sandal fan and wood carving.

Miao has more than 50 pieces in the exhibition, including random-stitch embroidery - which features the feeling of oil painting - double-sided embroidery, plain embroidery, golden round embroidery, decoration embroidery and crystal-framed embroidery.

Bian-style embroidery was mainly popular with imperial royal families down through the centuries and features elegant stitching to match the social status and demeanor of regal people. It experienced a recession after the collapse of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1126 AD).