Tan sheep fur

Tan sheep fur

　　Tan sheep fur is a specialty fur product from Ningxia. The Tan sheep get their name from the lush grassy riverbanks (known as “tan”) along the Yellow River in the Yinchuan Plain. Commonly referred to as “Ermao fur,” Tan sheep fur is made from the pelts of lambs slaughtered around 30 days after birth, and is carefully processed. The Ermao fur has fur about two inches long, with soft, white, and delicate tassels, fine texture, and wavy curls. The leather is supple, lightweight, warm, and was historically known as “thousand-gold fur.” It is one of China’s traditional branded export commodities.

　　Ningxia’s Tan sheep fur stands out uniquely among global fur products. It is categorized into Ermao and Sha Mao types, with fur colors including pure white, pure black, light brown, and mixed hues, though most are pure white. Black fur is also called purple lamb fur due to its rarity and high value. White fur pelts feature snow-white color and a glossy sheen like jade. The leather is as thin as thick paper yet tough, soft, and evenly textured. The fur tassels display distinctive wavy curls, resembling ripples on a lake—light, soft, elegant, and offering excellent insulation, making it one of the finest among all furs. It has long been a traditional branded export commodity. The wool fibers of Tan sheep are fine, long, and uniform, with downy fluff that is soft, fluffy, and elastic. It is also a premium material for making blankets, shawls, scarves, and other decorative items. The jacquard blankets produced in Ningxia are world-renowned for their superior quality and unique style.