Porcelain-bodied bamboo weaving / Bamboo woven porcelain

Background

• Origin and History: Porcelain-bodied bamboo weaving, also known as bamboo silk button porcelain, originated in the mid-Qing Dynasty. Initially, it was a royal household item that gradually spread to the common people. It combines the beauty of porcelain with the skill of bamboo weaving, exhibiting a naturally harmonious artistic effect.
• Geography and Culture: Currently, this craft exists only in Pingle Town, Qionglai City, southwestern Sichuan. This historically and culturally famous town has a history of over 2,000 years, and its vast bamboo forests provide unique conditions for the production of porcelain-bodied bamboo weaving. This handicraft not only reflects the exquisite skills of traditional craftsmen but also carries rich regional culture and historical heritage.

Production Process

1. Bamboo Selection and Preparation: Select two-year-old strong and healthy ci bamboos growing on shady slopes with a length of over 66 centimeters and no scratches or spots. After undergoing three processes of scraping, airing, and roasting, the bamboo is cut into equal-width strips and dried for half a month before roasting for color.
2. Bamboo Silk Production: After the roasting is complete, the craftsman follows the bamboo strips, presses them with a self-made row of needles, and draws out the bamboo silk. The bamboo silk is then processed again with a uniform knife to achieve a completely uniform thickness. In this process, only eight ounces of silk can be drawn from 100 pounds of raw bamboo, indicating the preciousness of the bamboo weaving material.
3. Weaving Process: The trimmed bamboo strips are arranged in a circular wooden seat according to a certain pattern and fixed with bamboo silk before weaving begins. During the weaving process, the craftsman relies entirely on their hands and a knife for manual weaving, allowing each bamboo silk to form according to the shape of the porcelain and cling tightly to its surface. Due to the limited length of the bamboo silk, new silk needs to be added multiple times during the weaving process, with all joints hidden and not exposed.
4. Finished Product Treatment: The completed work is coated with varnish to protect its color and texture. Porcelain-bodied bamboo weaving utensils are resistant to drying, deformation, and insect infestation. They are also water-resistant and can be cleaned without fading their vivid texture even after decades of use.