\"One inch of Nanjing Yunjin brocade is worth one inch of gold.\" This ancient Chinese saying perfectly captures the luxury and craftsmanship of Yunjin brocade, a stunning silk fabric produced in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.
The weaving techniques behind Yunjin are incredibly intricate. Historically, artisans created a wooden shuttle loom with over 1,900 parts specifically to craft garments for emperors and their families. This delicate craftsmanship, especially the weaving of gold and silver threads combined with peacock feathers, remains so complex that even today's most advanced machines can't fully replicate it.
Known as cloud brocade due to its vibrant, sky-like colors, Yunjin brocade symbolizes the peak of China's weaving artistry. In 2009, it was honored as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Chen Cheng, a Yunjin inheritor, shares that mastering this craft is a painstaking journey. It takes at least three years to learn the basics: understanding the properties of raw silk, operating the looms, mastering hundreds of colors, and knotting tens of thousands of threads. In a recent episode, Chen delves into the history of Yunjin and offers insights on preserving this invaluable cultural legacy.
Join us as we explore the meticulous operation of the loom and the intricate weaving of gold into the fabric, uncovering why \"one inch of gold\" truly embodies the essence of Yunjin brocade.
Reference(s):
Legacy Trails: Brocade that travels from dynasties to modernity
cgtn.com
