Binyang Zhuang Brocade

Binyang Zhuang Brocade

　　Zhuang brocade is a traditional ethnic product woven with cotton yarn as the warp and multicolored silk floss as the weft. It features rich ethnic characteristics and symbolizes unity and friendship. The craft of Zhuang brocade originated before the Western Han Dynasty and is renowned for its intricate and beautiful patterns as well as exquisite craftsmanship. As recorded in *Lingwai Daida*: "In the mountainous regions along the Left and Right Rivers near Yongzhou, there are weavers producing white brocade with square patterns, wide width and thick texture, resembling the silk gauze from the central plains but even more elegant, luxurious, and heavy—regarded as the finest attire of the southern regions." Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty once banned the wearing of Zhuang brocade due to its perceived extravagance.

    As a representative of Zhuang brocade from western Guangxi, Binyang Zhuang Brocade boasts a long production history and even more refined and meticulous craftsmanship. Its patterns and designs exhibit an ancient artistic style. The geometric patterns on bronze ware unearthed from the Warring States Period tombs in Weipo Village, Binyang County, offer a glimpse into the developmental trajectory of Zhuang brocade’s geometric motifs. The designs on Binyang Zhuang Brocade include "Double Phoenixes Facing the Sun," "Fish and Dragon Playing in Water," "Two Lions Fighting Over a Silk Ball," "Guilin Scenery," and "Huashan Murals," among many others. The brocade comes in a wide variety of styles and enjoys a high reputation. In 1964, Binyang Zhuang Brocade began entering the international market, being exported to countries such as Japan, the United States, Canada, India, the Philippines, as well as Hong Kong and Macau. Its exquisitely woven texture, unique patterns, vibrant colors, and durable quality have made it highly popular among customers. Liang Shuying, a master artisan of Binyang Zhuang Brocade, was honored with the title of "China’s Master of Arts and Crafts." The "Zhuanghua" brand of Zhuang brocade is particularly famous for its fine weaving, distinctive patterns, strong ethnic style, vibrant colors, and durable material. This product is of premium quality, comes in a wide range of styles (over a hundred varieties), and is very popular in China’s tourism product market. It is also exported to Europe, America, Hong Kong, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries and regions.

    The manufacturer of the "Zhuanghua" brand Zhuang brocade—Binyang National Brocade Factory in Guangxi—is a nationally designated producer of ethnic goods. It serves as a research and production base for Chinese brocade craftsmanship and is one of the five largest manufacturers of ethnic goods in China. The brocade designed and produced by the factory has won multiple awards for outstanding design and the Baihua Award from the Ministry of Light Industry and the Guangxi Autonomous Region. Several rare pieces have been collected by the National Museum. Over the years, the factory has produced designated products for various major events. In 1958, it created "Dragon and Phoenix Tablecloths" and ceremonial banners for the celebration of the establishment of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In 1985, reproductions of the Qing Dynasty tribute "Auspicious Clouds Bring Prosperity" cross-pattern brocade quilt coverings were sent to Japan for exhibition. The "Eight Phoenixes Facing the Sun Wall Hanging" was selected as the official product for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Asian Games. In 1991, the factory produced 6,000 Zhuang brocade backpacks featuring the "mascot" and "emblem" patterns of the Fourth National Ethnic Games as official gifts. In 1995, the factory produced 20,000 Zhuang brocade bags embroidered with the words "Fourth World Conference on Women" as the official designated document bag gifts for the conference.