Zhao Sijin worked with preoccupation, his fingers moving nonstop with deftness, until the bamboo strips at hand were woven into a beautiful piece of art. As if by magic, the bamboo weaver, now over 85, had never failed to captivate every witness to his superb craftsmanship.

 

Zhao hails from Daoming, a township in Chengdu best known for its bamboo strips weaving. With a history that stretches back about 2,000 years, the craft skill was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2014. Zhao became a bamboo weaver at the age of 15, and has since devoted himself to the innovation of bamboo weaving techniques.

 

As a state-level inheritor eager to promote the cultural heritage, he has also taught the time-honored craft in China and beyond. As part of an effort to pass on the craft, a compilation of Zhao's account of the Daoming bamboo weaving was published in 2018. "We cannot afford to let such cultural treasure fade into oblivion. I hope young people will join us to pursue the charm of the craft," he said.

 

Zhao Sijin plaits a jar out of bamboo strips.

 

Zhao Sijin (R) processes bamboo strips.

 

Zhao Sijin puts bamboo products in order.

 

Source: Xinhua

Image source: Wang Xi

Edited by Feng Ling