Willow Weaving
01 · Historical Records
Uyghur branch weaving has a developmental history of nearly three thousand years in the Turpan area at least; historical records and the large numbers of woven-branch baskets and quiver artifacts unearthed from ancient tombs can serve as corroboration. Local people used the branches of elm, red willow (tamarisk), poplar, mulberry, and willow trees to weave implements, continuously improving and refining the craft through long practice, and gradually formed a stable system of material selection and weaving methods.
02 · Core Techniques & Process
Willow weaving is a traditional weaving handicraft that uses the branches of willow and other woody plants as its main raw material. Common raw materials for willow weaving include sand willow, white willow, qi willow, and ji willow; mulberry twigs and vitex twigs may also be used as weaving materials. After peeling, willow strips have a smooth surface and a fresh, moist luster; they are both soft and tough, so products woven from them are of stable quality and stand the test of long use. Willow-weaving techniques are extremely rich: different products and different forms require different weaving methods. Alongside the weaving techniques, there are auxiliary processes such as splitting strips, 'shanglian' (chain linking), and 'butao' (cloth casing), as well as decorative treatments such as bleaching, dyeing, coloring, and oiling. Willow-woven products pay close attention to the beauty of form, style, and texture. Finished products are mostly practical items such as baskets and hampers, carrying baskets, winnowing trays, tubs and basins, cases and bags, chairs and stools, and small stands and racks; there are also some display pieces made with greater refinement. Uyghur branch weaving is a traditional weaving handicraft popular in the area of Turpan City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Judging from historical records and the large numbers of woven-branch baskets and quiver artifacts unearthed from ancient tombs, this craft has a developmental history of nearly three thousand years in the Turpan area at least. Uyghur people have used locally produced elm branches, red willow (tamarisk) branches, poplar branches, mulberry branches, and willow branches to weave 235 kinds of products, including farm tools such as rakes, carrying poles, and baskets; livestock-raising implements such as feed troughs, chicken coops, and sieves; daily-use items such as baskets, donkey pack saddles, skimmers, and fruit trays; and handicrafts or tourist souvenirs such as vases, gourds, wine cups, and models of the Emin Minaret (Sugong Tower). The basic methods of Uyghur branch weaving are 'pingzhi' (flat weaving), in which strands are threaded through and protrude between the warp sticks, and 'mahuarzhi' (twist-plait weaving), used for the edges; the woven patterns include diamond, chain, wave, and oval shapes, among others. Continually improved and refined in practice, the Uyghur branch-weaving craft displays distinctive regional characteristics and national style. It is an important embodiment of Uyghur traditional culture and has research value in sociology, ethnology, and the history of folk crafts.
Two hundred and thirty-five products
Uyghur weavers produce 235 kinds of objects, from farm tools and animal troughs to vases, gourds and souvenir pagodas.
Flat weave and plait weave
The basic methods are flat weave between warps and plait weave for rims, yielding diamond, chain, wave and oval patterns.
Wicker baskets and quivers
Excavated wicker baskets and quivers show the craft's long history in Turpan and its value for ethnology and craft history.
03 · Regional Records & Related Items
Uyghur branch weaving is centered on Gaochang District of Turpan City, and 235 kinds of products are woven throughout Xinjiang, including farm tools such as rakes, carrying poles, and baskets; livestock-raising implements such as feed troughs, chicken coops, and sieves; daily-use items such as baskets, donkey pack saddles, skimmers, and fruit trays; and handicrafts or tourist souvenirs such as vases, gourds, wine cups, and models of the Emin Minaret (Sugong Tower). Its basic weaving methods are 'pingzhi' (flat weaving), in which strands are threaded through and protrude between the warp sticks, and 'mahuarzhi' (twist-plait weaving), used for the edges; the woven patterns include diamond, chain, wave, and oval shapes, among others.
Other submitting regions for the same item: Willow Weaving · Willow Weaving · Willow Weaving · Willow Weaving · Willow Weaving · Willow Weaving · Willow Weaving.
04 · Cultural Value & Contemporary Safeguarding
Willow weaving already appeared in China in ancient times; through several thousand years of transmission, this craft has been greatly improved and has gradually matured. These products have high practical value and artistic value; they are traditional crafts rich in national character and are warmly welcomed and loved by the broad masses.
05 · Associated Representative Bearers
Representative bearers recorded under this item, organized by national nomination batch:
- Wang Wenzhong 04-1796
- Jiang Chaochun 05-2655
- Pan Tongli 05-2656
- Yang Jinbang
- Zhang Wanfu
06 · Authoritative Sources & Bibliography
Sources
China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network (ihchina.cn)
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