An integration of German craftmanship and Chinese art

An embroidery work embodying the culture of Knorr-Bremse Group and the city of Suzhou in East China's Jiangsu province was recently unveiled at the German enterprise's R&D center in Suzhou New District, local media outlets reported.

The work, elegantly combining blue and white, the colors of the group's logo, features German elements such as the New Swan Stone Castle, Knorr-Bremse's HQ building in Munich and its distinct rail and commercial vehicles, and highlights a number of Suzhou cultural elements, including the landmark Huqiu Pagoda, the Suzhou Museum West Branch, and WLS Park, where the group's China R&D center is located.

It took Lu Meihong, a nationally-respected professional embroiderer from Zhenhu town, and six other embroiders three months to finish the elaborate piece.

"Knorr-Bremse represents German craftsmanship, while Suzhou embroidery is the embodiment of Jiangnan culture and fine crafts. The two working together has really inspired me," Lu said.

With a history of more than 2,000 years, Suzhou embroidery is one of the four most famous types of embroidery in China and also a national intangible cultural heritage item. Zhenhu town, which is located in SND, is the birthplace of Suzhou embroidery and is recognized as the "hometown of Chinese folk embroidery art".

The Munich-based Knorr-Bremse Group is the world's leading manufacturer of braking systems and supplier of additional sub-systems for rail and commercial vehicles. Since 2004, the group has set up five subsidiary companies in SND, which have a combined workforce of 1,500, making the district its largest investment destination outside of Munich.