Lamb skin from young Hu lambs

Lamb skin from young Hu lambs

　　The Hu sheep produced in Tongxiang were domesticated after being introduced from the north. It is said that during the Southern Song Dynasty migration, a large number of people from the Yellow River basin in the north also moved southward. In the process of this migration, they brought with them many Mongolian sheep. After these sheep settled with their owners in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region, they underwent long-term acclimatization to the local environment of the south. Gradually, changes took place in their body shape, appearance, and wool quality, eventually forming the type of Hu sheep now widely raised by local farmers. Based on this, it is estimated that Hu sheep have been raised in our city for over 800 years.

　　 The lamb skin taken from the young lambs of Hu sheep is commonly known as small Hu lamb skin. This type of skin was first exported abroad in the 12th year of the Republic of China (1923). Exporters designed it as “ancient bell”-style slabs for overseas sales. It has been exported for over 70 years and is ranked among the world’s “four major types of lamb skin,” often referred to as China’s “soft gem.”

　　 The skinning and processing of small Hu lamb skin require very high standards. The lambs to be skinned must be those that have not been nursed within one or two days of birth; if they have been nursed, the skin is unusable. During the skinning process, different methods of slaughtering and skinning must be used according to the body shape of the lamb. The skinning must be done meticulously, the washing must follow the direction of the wool, the nailing must be neither too tight nor too loose, the drying should be air-dried rather than exposed to harsh sun, and the sorting must involve gentle combing and careful arrangement. Only in this way can the quality of the leather and fur be ensured.

　　 The small Hu lamb skin produced in Tongxiang features snow-white wool, wavy patterns, soft leather, good elasticity, and a shiny, smooth finish. It can be dyed in various colors and made into different types of clothing, making it highly favored by foreign buyers.

　　 Almost every rural household in our city raises Hu sheep, and at its peak, hundreds of thousands of pieces of small Hu lamb skin could be produced annually. The procurement volume ranks first in the country.

　　 In the past, most small Hu lamb skin from our city was exported as rawhide. With advancements in technology, finished products can now be manufactured for export. Products such as coats, women's jackets, mattresses, and children's clothing made from small Hu lamb skin have become important items for earning foreign exchange.