Source: CCTV.com

11-30-2008 14:56

Chinese traditional brocade incorporates fine silk woven into colorful patterns, with gold and silver thread and feathers adding a luxurious touch. Nanjing city in Jiangsu province is home to China's most famous style of brocade. Skilled weavers are now ready to begin work on a giant piece of Nanjing brocade to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China.

Skilled weavers are now ready to begin work on a  giant piece of Nanjing brocade to celebrate the 60th  anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of  China.

The patterns for the elaborate brocade have been designed and are ready to come to life on the loom. A dragon boat is at the center of the image, with red-crowned cranes flying above it.

The 56 red-crowned cranes represent the fifty-six nationalities of China, while the dragon and crane are both auspicious symbols. The piece is titled "Long Live China". The Nanjing Brocade Institute had to modify the looms... expanding them from ninety centimeters wide, to one hundred and fifty centimeters.

Wang Baolin, Director Nanjing Brocade Institute, said, "The widening of the loom requires a modification of techniques. Four or five workers are needed at the loom, instead of the usual two."

Fine silk and pure gold thread will be used in the piece dedicated to the nation's 60th anniversary in 2009.

Wang Baolin, Director Nanjing Brocade Institute, said, "We used to simply use peacock feathers. This time we'll use feathers from ostriches and other birds, to add different colors. In addition, we will interweave jewels to make it more refined."

Nanjing city has applied to have Nanjing Brocade awarded UNESCO Intangible Heritage status. The outcome of the application will be revealed next September, the same time that the gorgeous brocade will be completed.

 

Editor:Du Xiaodan