Craftwoman makes efforts to carry on tradition of making silk carpets

Photo taken on April 14, 2021 shows a silk carpet displayed in Xintian Silk Carpet Company in Tianshui City, northwest China's Gansu Province. The city of Tianshui in northwest China's Gansu Province has a long tradition of making silk carpets. The technique, which involves more than 20 procedures, was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2014 due to its artistic value and complexity. Huang Jingrong, 49, embarked on her journey of making silk tapestries at the age of 18 in Xintian Silk Carpet Company. Since the first day, she never shied away from the drudgery of the craft. Weaving a silk carpet takes a long time and is meticulous work. "It is quite taxing for the eyes and the body," said Huang. Throughout Huang's 30-year career, she has dedicated herself to exploring new silk tapestry designs. Such dedication subsequently won her hand-stitched works many accolades at regional and national levels. Due in large part to her efforts, the company's silk carpets have enjoyed popularity in China and Western countries, not just for the integration of carving, moral, drawing and calligraphy elements, but also for the intricate patterns that change hue in different lighting. Though many of the carpets are now machine-made, weavers are still irreplaceable in making the best-quality silk tapestries. Currently, Huang is looking for young talents to inherit the art, which, like many other traditional crafts, faces a shortage of young people willing to learn the time-honored craftsmanship. "Besides learning the technique from me, my apprentices are encouraged to innovate the handicrafts to attract young customers," she said. "Heritage cannot sit on the shelves. We are trying to bring it back to life." (Xinhua/Chen Bin)