This classic art form is more than a cherished memory; it is also an inheritance. Chengdu maintaining this inheritance is dependent on “craftsmen” staying true to their craft.

"Now, people do not want to learn weaving skills, and it worries me a lot on how to keep the art heritage," said 67-year-old Hu Guangjun at the Shu Brocade Research Institute in Chengdu.
Hu Guangjun is one of the best-known Shu Brocade artists in Chengdu and one of the city's accredited inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Even with graying hair, he is full of energy, but when talking about brocade weaving art heritage, his voice is solemn.
The Shu Brocade is an important national-level ICH item, and is the oldest of the four famous traditional crafts, namely the Yun Brocade, Zhuang Brocade, Song Brocade and Shu Brocade. Even after a thousand years, the Shu Brocade status remains the same because of its rich culture, artistic connotation, and unique technology. The Shu Brocade is also a symbol of Chengdu art, which has resulted in Chengdu being given the names "Jincheng" (Brocade City) and "Jinguan City" (Brocade Government City). Chengdu was a carrier of cultural exchanges and trade in the "Silk Road"; it has witnessed the development of history and has a unique cultural value.
Hu Guangjun is one of the best-known Shu Brocade artists in Chengdu and one of the city's accredited inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Even with graying hair, he is full of energy, but when talking about brocade weaving art heritage, his voice is solemn.
The Shu Brocade is an important national-level ICH item, and is the oldest of the four famous traditional crafts, namely the Yun Brocade, Zhuang Brocade, Song Brocade and Shu Brocade. Even after a thousand years, the Shu Brocade status remains the same because of its rich culture, artistic connotation, and unique technology. The Shu Brocade is also a symbol of Chengdu art, which has resulted in Chengdu being given the names "Jincheng" (Brocade City) and "Jinguan City" (Brocade Government City). Chengdu was a carrier of cultural exchanges and trade in the "Silk Road"; it has witnessed the development of history and has a unique cultural value.
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Entering the institute, you can see the Hua Lou draw-loom. Hu told us they did not use this draw-loom very often because it only runs on manpower, so they had adopted new methods to lower manpower in order to increase Shu Brocade production. They used this new machine to finish the final part of a Shu Brocade weave. Even with the use of more advanced technology, the history of making the Shu Brocade was not tarnished because a majority of the brocade was made with the Hua Lou draw-loom.


Hu explained that the traditional process of brocade production can be roughly divided into two parts: card punching and weaving. The Hua Lou draw-loom and the Shu Brocade weave technique are combined from pattern design to the cross stitch. The corporate production of the Shu Brocade has been adhering to the old tradition, even after the machinery update. Actually, the Shu Brocade has many unknown crafts. According to Hu, the brocade weaving process is complicated; there are a total of more than 10 jobs and 5-60 processes; this means that production requires a lot of teamwork. Hu said: "One person is unable to complete Shu Brocade products. From design to sample weaving, it usually takes years for seven or eight people to finish it."


On weekdays, teacher Hu is visited by many people all around the world who are interested in the Shu Brocade. He informs these people of the Shu Brocade's glorious history and its current status.



Chengdu's national ICH items
Shu Brocade and Embroidery-Chengdu is nicknamed “Jincheng” (Brocade City), and the silk weaving industry in the city possessed national fame in the ancient times
May 20, 2014

Shu Brocade: the Art of Stitching
Chengdu, reputed as the “Land of Abundance,” has a history of more than 2,000 years of hand-woven brocade craft.
Jun 08, 2015

Shu Brocade & Shu Embroidery
Both the Shu Brocade (one of the most famous Four Chinese Brocades) and Shu Embroidery (one of the most famous Four Chinese Embroideries) are highly recommended. These exquisite fabrics come in a variety of colors and patterns.