Huizhou Bamboo Weaving

Huizhou Bamboo Weaving

　　Bamboo weaving art is one of China’s traditional folk crafts. Huizhou bamboo woven handicrafts are commonly found in the bamboo handicraft industry on Sabu Field at Xinmin Street in Qiaodong, as well as among individual producers in the suburban areas. Before liberation, Sabu Field had already developed into a specialized street mainly producing bamboo utensils, with over 30 households independently engaged in the bamboo craft business. The main products were daily-use items and bamboo handicrafts such as bamboo tables, bamboo chairs, bamboo beds, bamboo baskets, bamboo canopies, and bamboo brooms.

　　 After liberation, in 1954, a bamboo ware production cooperative was established, located on Xinmin Street, employing 30–40 workers; in 1956, a bamboo ware society was formed with over 300 employees; in 1956, it merged to become the Huizhou City Bamboo Ware Factory. In 1974, the city bamboo ware factory spun off a bamboo ware arts and crafts factory. Since then, the focus shifted from mainly producing daily utensils and farm tools to making bamboo crafts.

　　 The bamboo crafts factory initially had key personnel such as Qin Ji’an, Chen Lunfa, Li Shufan, and Yang Xinghua, who worked on developing craft products. Starting in 1976, mass production began, with main products including bamboo sailboats, bamboo pen holders, bamboo incense burners, bamboo vases (including wall-mounted bamboo vases), bamboo toys (such as peacocks and swords), and bamboo-woven decorations. By 1979, there were over 110 different products, with more than 90 production workers, generating a monthly output value of 20,000–30,000 yuan, peaking at 40,000 yuan. Products were exclusively exported by foreign trade departments.

　　 To make bamboo crafts, high-quality moso bamboo and yellow bamboo are selected as the primary materials. They are first treated with chemicals to kill insects and prevent rot, then undergo processes such as tube turning, painting, as well as decorative techniques like surface drawing, pasting, and carving. These crafts feature a simple yet elegant artistic charm that appeals to all tastes. For example, the bamboo sailboats are exquisitely crafted and lifelike; pen holders and wall-mounted vases are plain yet attractive; and bamboo swords are especially popular among children. Some products are both practical and ornamental, such as a colorful woven hat that can be used as either a fan or a cap—truly unique.

　　 After 1984, sales of bamboo products continued to decline, costs kept rising, and the production of bamboo crafts was eventually discontinued. Today, only small-batch custom processing projects remain, mainly producing kite spars (materials for making kites) for export to Hong Kong, Western Europe, and other regions.