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Weaving history by song
January 23, 2011, Sunday
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IN the Chinese tradition of weaving Nanjing yunjin brocade, two craftspeople operate the upper and lower parts of a large, complicated loom to produce textiles incorporating fine materials such as silk, gold and peacock feather yarn.
The technique was once used to create royal garments such as the dragon robe and crown costume so its production was conducted at all costs for perfection. Today, it is still used to make high-end attire and souvenirs.
Preserved primarily in Jiangsu province in eastern China, the method comprises more than a hundred procedures, including manufacturing looms, drafting patterns, the creation of jacquard cards for programming weaving patterns, dressing the loom and the many stages of weaving itself.
As they "pass the warp" and "split the weft," the weavers sing mnemonic ballads that remind them of the techniques they employ and enhance the cooperative, artistic atmosphere at the loom.
The workers view their craft as part of a historical mission since, in addition to creating fabrics for contemporary use, yunjin is used to replicate ancient silk fabrics for researchers and museums. Named after the cloud-like splendor of the fabrics, yunjin remains popular throughout the country.
The craftsmanship of Nanjing Yunjin brocade was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009.
The technique was once used to create royal garments such as the dragon robe and crown costume so its production was conducted at all costs for perfection. Today, it is still used to make high-end attire and souvenirs.
Preserved primarily in Jiangsu province in eastern China, the method comprises more than a hundred procedures, including manufacturing looms, drafting patterns, the creation of jacquard cards for programming weaving patterns, dressing the loom and the many stages of weaving itself.
As they "pass the warp" and "split the weft," the weavers sing mnemonic ballads that remind them of the techniques they employ and enhance the cooperative, artistic atmosphere at the loom.
The workers view their craft as part of a historical mission since, in addition to creating fabrics for contemporary use, yunjin is used to replicate ancient silk fabrics for researchers and museums. Named after the cloud-like splendor of the fabrics, yunjin remains popular throughout the country.
The craftsmanship of Nanjing Yunjin brocade was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009.
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