Our Story
Bridging Ancient Craft and Modern Living
31 North began with a simple observation: the world's most remarkable craftsmanship is disappearing. Not because people don't value it—but because the artisans who create it can't reach those who do.
We set out to change that. By working directly with certified heritage craftspeople across Asia, we create a bridge between centuries-old traditions and contemporary collectors who appreciate their significance.
Every piece in our collection is authenticated, ethically sourced, and comes with the story of its maker. We believe that understanding the hands and heart behind an object transforms it from a mere possession into a meaningful connection across time and culture.
The Geography Behind Our Name
The Silk Latitude
Our name carries a secret written in geography. Suzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, Changsha—the four great embroidery capitals of China—all share something remarkable: their geographic centers converge almost precisely along the 31st parallel north.
This invisible line, which we call the “Silk Latitude,” connects millennia of embroidery traditions. From the delicate Su embroidery of Suzhou to the vibrant Shu embroidery of Chengdu, from the bold Xiang style of Changsha to the refined Han embroidery of Wuhan—all flourished along this same remarkable parallel.
31° North isn't just coordinates. It's where silk became art, where threads became stories, and where we find our purpose: bringing these extraordinary traditions to the world.
成都
Chengdu
蜀绣 Shu
武汉
Wuhan
汉绣 Han
长沙
Changsha
湘绣 Xiang
苏州
Suzhou
苏绣 Su
Four embroidery traditions, one latitude: 31° North
Our Values
Authenticity
Every piece is verified by cultural heritage experts. We never compromise on provenance or craftsmanship quality.
Fair Partnership
We pay artisans fairly—often 3-4x more than local rates. Their skill and dedication deserve proper compensation.
Sustainability
Traditional crafts are inherently sustainable—natural materials, zero waste, built to last generations.
The Makers
Our Artisan Partners
Master Liu Mei
Suzhou Embroidery Master 苏绣大师
Master Liu Mei has dedicated 35 years to perfecting the art of Su embroidery. Her double-sided embroidery pieces, showing different images on each side of translucent silk, are collected in museums worldwide.
Master Zhang Ling
Shu Embroidery Master 蜀绣大师
Master Zhang Ling specializes in Shu embroidery from Chengdu, renowned for its vivid depictions of pandas and natural landscapes. Each piece captures not just appearance, but the gentle spirit of the subject.
Master Chen Wei
Xiang Embroidery Master 湘绣大师
Master Chen Wei is renowned for his Xiang embroidery tigers, each requiring thousands of stitches to bring the silk to life. His work continues the bold, expressive tradition of Hunan embroidery.
Our Impact
Making a Difference
47
Master Artisans
Certified heritage craftspeople we work with directly
4
Embroidery Traditions
UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage crafts preserved
89%
Artisan Income
Of product price goes directly to the artisan community
2,400+
Pieces Created
Handcrafted embroidery delivered to collectors worldwide
Beyond fair wages, we reinvest in artisan communities through apprenticeship programs, helping ensure these traditions survive for generations to come. When you purchase from 31 North, you're not just acquiring a beautiful object—you're becoming part of a movement to preserve humanity's cultural heritage.
Cultural Heritage
Preserving Living History
The crafts we represent are recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage—living traditions that embody the creativity, knowledge, and identity of communities across Asia.
Unlike museum pieces locked behind glass, our artisans create works meant to be used, appreciated, and passed down. Each piece carries forward techniques developed over centuries, adapted for contemporary life while honoring their origins.
By choosing handcrafted over mass-produced, you help ensure these traditions remain vibrant and relevant—not relics of the past, but living expressions of human creativity.