Zhuang Brocade Weaving Technique

Zhuang brocade has a long history, originating from the “streaky cloth” woven by Zhuang ancestors during the Han Dynasty. Excavated fragments of orange-red geometric-patterned brocade from the Han tomb at Luobowan in Guangxi prove the existence of weaving techniques in the region at that time.

The technique took shape during the Tang and Song dynasties, became a royal tribute in the Ming and Qing dynasties, then declined in the late Qing and early Republic era. Zhuang brocade includes three major types, over 20 varieties, and more than 50 patterns, renowned for its durability, exquisite craftsmanship, and distinctive designs.

As a cultural heritage of the Zhuang people, it provides key examples for studying ethnic textile techniques and global weaving history, while also promoting cultural pride. However, the craft now faces a survival crisis and requires urgent preservation.