Nanjing Yunjin Brocade Weaving Technique

Originating in the Eastern Jin Dynasty 1500 years ago, Nanjing Yunjin became China's brocade center in the Northern Song and peaked in Ming-Qing periods. As one of China's three most famous brocades, its unique Zhuanghua technique remains irreplaceable by machines.

Using traditional drawlooms, it requires perfect coordination between a pattern puller and weaver. Masters must master the "Nine-Character Formula", producing just 5-6cm daily - truly "every inch worth an inch of gold".

While Ming Dynasty saw its technical peak with Qing's annual output reaching millions, today only 24 certified inheritors remain, with fewer than 5 mastering Zhuanghua completely - now facing critical preservation challenges.