Hand-embroidered tote bag

My hometown, Nantong, is blessed with five famous mountains: Langshan, Junshan, Jianshan, Ma'anshan, and Huangni Mountain. 1. **Langshan:** Legend has it that a white wolf spirit once plagued this area. During the Tang Dynasty, the monk Seng Jia arrived, casting his袈裟 (kasaya) to form a colossal canopy that enveloped the entire mountain, subduing the beast. He became the founding figure, establishing a Zen temple and venerating it as the dojo of Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva. Thus, a large mountain is depicted in appliqué and embroidery, with chaotic threads suggesting patchwork, and a small spire at the summit representing the Zhuyun Pagoda of today's Guangjiao Zen Temple. Within, a white wolf is rendered with dense stitches. Behind it, the other four mountains are layered with fabric. A vast expanse of sky in the clear lake blue is appliquéd behind. 2. **Junshan:** Said to be a training ground for Qin Shi Huang's troops. In the Ming Dynasty, Monk Fakong established the Putuo Zen Monastery. Dong Qichang praised it, stating it was "no less than the true realm of Luojia" compared to Mount Putuo. Therefore, this mountain is adorned with embroidered houses, hinting at its former prosperity. 3. **Jianshan:** A renowned Buddhist mountain since the Ming Dynasty, dedicated to Manjushri, Medicine Buddha, and Ksitigarbha. In 1926, Mr. Zhang Jian rebuilt the Manjushri Temple. Consequently, Manjushri's mount—a small golden lion—is embroidered upon a deeply hued mountain. 4. **Huangni Mountain:** Named for its Dragon Claw Rock, it is partially submerged in the river. The nation's first wind-powered lighthouse was built here, and it is depicted in embroidery. 5. **Ma'anshan:** In the early Republic of China, Mr. Zhang Jian extensively planted plum blossoms and raised sika deer here, cultivating plum groves. This was in remembrance of his friendship with Mei Lanfang. A small pavilion is embroidered atop a gentle hill to commemorate this sentiment.