Tujia Brocade Weaving Techniques

Tujia brocade weaving is primarily practiced in the Tujia communities of Yongshun, Longshan, Baojing and Guzhang counties along the Youshui River in western Hunan. This traditional craft uses cotton thread to create woven patterns locally known as "flower weaving", with two main types: Xilan Kapu (decorative bed covers) and patterned belts.

Xilan Kapu employs a distinctive "interrupted weft" technique with plain and twill variations. The 12-step production process includes spinning, dyeing and weaving on a traditional wooden waist loom using "reverse weaving" to create patterns. The belts are made with a "continuous warp and weft" technique that requires no special tools and can be woven directly between the craftsperson's knees.

With a history spanning over 1,500 years, this craft preserves more than 400 traditional patterns that vividly showcase Tujia aesthetic characteristics and cultural heritage. However, with modern development, this traditional craft is now endangered and in urgent need of preservation and transmission.