Cloud-pattern brocade is a specialty of Nanjing in Jiangsu Province. This traditional silk craftwork is reputed as one of "Three Famous Brocades" in China together with Song brocade in Suzhou and Shu brocade in Sichuan.

In 2009, Nanjing cloud-pattern brocade was selected as an item of intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. Now, let's take a closer look at the unique craftwork.

This is Mr. Zhou Shuangxi, the one-and-only senior artisan of cloud-pattern brocade in China. He told us that the cloud-pattern brocade is gorgeous, but very particular and complicated.

Zhou Shuangxi, senior artisan, said, "Although a machine worked 8 hours a day to weave this brocade, only 5 to 6 cm can be finished. We cannot afford to make even one tiny mistake during the process, or the whole day's effort will be wasted."

The origin of Nanjing cloud-pattern brocade can be traced back to 1,500 years ago. It used to be the brocade that was reserved only for the emperors and the royal family members in the dynasties of Yuan, Ming and Qing. It is said that the cloud-pattern brocade was used to make imperial robes, hats as well as the concubines's clothing. In the Qing dynasty, the development of Nanjing cloud-pattern brocade entered its peak period. At that time, there were more than 30,000 looms with nearly 300,000 workers engaged in the industry.

Today, its fame has flown around the whole world as the brocade is exported to other countries and regions in the form of material for high-class apparel, costumes, quilt covers, handbags, ties, hanging panels and many more uses.

Source: CNTV