BEIJING, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Grasscloth is a living fossil in textiles and China’s oldest cloth. It is made of ramie and woven by hand. Often worn in summer for its comfort and coolness, it also goes by “summer cloth”. This plain cloth has thousands years of history. According to historical records, “Ramie was the first material for cloth making in ancient China when cotton was not yet brought in. Ramie was the only fabric source, from fine attire to coarse garments.” Yichun in Jiangxi Province has been renowned for its quality ramie since the Tang and Song dynasties.
In contemporary times, most grasscloth is woven mechanically, whose product lacks the charm. Only summer cloth handmade in the traditional fashion is authentic. Nowadays, there are few craftsmen who are proficient in this old craft.
To keep this intangible cultural heritage alive and updated, the relevant authority of Yuanzhou District, Yichun supports the establishment of intangible cultural heritage research bases for inheritors to train apprentices, bring craft products to the market faster, and improve their skills further. Now, the ancient grasscloth has been transformed into woodblock paintings, lamps, canvas bags, and more. This widespread application has led to its increased recognition among a wider audience, contributing to a colorful life.
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SOURCE CCTV+
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