One inch of Nanjing Yunjin brocade is worth one inch of gold.
Since ancient times, this saying has beautifully captured the essence of the luxurious silk fabric crafted in Nanjing City, located in east China's Jiangsu Province. Yunjin brocade is not just a textile; it's a masterpiece of intricate weaving techniques and vibrant artistry.
The craftsmanship behind Yunjin brocade is nothing short of extraordinary. Historically, weavers developed a wooden shuttle loom containing over 1,900 parts specifically designed to produce garments for the emperor and his family. This delicate process includes weaving gold and silver threads and incorporating peacock feathers, a task so complex that even today's most advanced machines cannot fully replicate it.
The brocade's vibrant colors often evoke the beautiful hues of the sky, earning it the affectionate nickname “cloud brocade.” This vivid palette, combined with the meticulous craftsmanship, makes each piece a unique work of art. Recognizing its cultural significance, Yunjin brocade was honored as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.
Mastering the art of Yunjin brocade is a painstaking journey. According to Chen Cheng, a dedicated inheritor of the Yunjin tradition, aspiring weavers must undergo at least three years of training. This training encompasses understanding the properties of raw silk, operating the complex looms, mastering hundreds of color nuances, and knotting tens of thousands of threads.
In a recent episode, Chen shares a brief history of Yunjin and offers valuable insights into preserving this precious cultural heritage. Viewers are treated to a firsthand look at the loom's operation and the intricate process of weaving gold into the fabric, revealing why \"one inch of gold\" is not just a figurative expression but a testament to the brocade's true value.
Yunjin brocade stands as a symbol of China's rich textile heritage, seamlessly blending traditional techniques with timeless beauty. As artisans like Chen Cheng continue to preserve and pass down these skills, Yunjin brocade remains a shining example of cultural resilience and artistic excellence.
Reference(s):
Legacy Trails: Brocade that travels from dynasties to modernity
cgtn.com
