Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage - Yingshan Thread Wrapping Flowers
Introduction
Yingshan Thread Wrapping Flowers is a unique traditional folk craft originating from Yingshan County, Hubei Province. This delicate art form involves creating decorative floral arrangements by wrapping and weaving silk, wool yarn, and other materials. Recognized for its exquisite craftsmanship, lifelike shapes, and vibrant colors, it was inscribed on China's National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2014. More than just decorative art, Yingshan Thread Wrapping Flowers serves as an important cultural vehicle for local folk traditions, widely used in festivals, weddings, and other ceremonial occasions.
Historical Development
Origins and Evolution
- Ming Dynasty: Introduced to Yingshan by migrants
- Qing Dynasty: Developed distinct regional characteristics
- Republican Era: Reached technical peak
- Late 20th Century: Faced inheritance crisis
- 21st Century: Revived through cultural preservation
Technical Evolution
- Early stage: Simple decorative function
- Development phase: Incorporated local aesthetics
- Maturity phase: Formed complete technical system
- Innovation phase: Diversified materials and techniques
Regional Characteristics
Main Technical Features
| Characteristics | Manifestations | Cultural Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Silk, wool yarn, metallic threads | Local resource utilization |
| Colors | Predominantly red, yellow, green | Auspicious symbolism |
| Shapes | Flowers, animals, figures | Life aesthetics |
| Applications | Headwear, costumes, decorations | Folk custom implementations |
Cultural Significance
- Folk Beliefs: Embodies wishes for a better life
- Aesthetic Taste: Represents folk art characteristics
- Artisan Wisdom: Demonstrates creative spirit
- Feminine Culture: Epitomizes traditional needlework skills
Production Techniques
Core Processes
- Material Preparation:
- Silk dyeing
- Cardboard shaping
- Metal wire processing
- Wrapping Techniques:
- Flat wrapping
- Diagonal wrapping
- Cross wrapping
- Assembly:
- Single flower creation
- Floral arrangement
- Final shaping
Technical Essentials
- Wrapping standards: "tight, dense, even"
- Shaping requirements: "lively, realistic, resembling"
- 72 traditional procedures
- Oral transmission between masters and apprentices
Preservation Efforts
- Successor Training: Establishing workshops
- Technique Documentation: Publishing Yingshan Thread Wrapping Techniques
- Innovative Development: Creating cultural products
- Industry Support: Forming specialized cooperatives
- Cultural Promotion: Hosting art festivals
Modern Development
- Material innovation (eco-friendly alternatives)
- Design innovation (modern aesthetic integration)
- Application expansion (fashion accessories development)
- Educational inheritance (school handicraft courses)
- Digital preservation (process documentation)
As a representative of Jingchu folk art, Yingshan Thread Wrapping Flowers is being revitalized through innovative designs and contemporary applications, becoming an important showcase of Hubei's traditional culture.
