Weaving the "international dream", "Shanghai craftsmen" turned into Tibet industry helpers

Shanghai, 5 May (ZXS) -- Topic: Weaving the "international dream" of "Shanghai" and "Shanghai craftsmen" have become people who help people in the Tibet industry

China News Agency reporter Li Shuzheng

In mid-May, people visiting Shanghai's East Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the "first commercial street in China," may see this unique scene: Tibetan women in traditional costumes sitting in front of a xenon machine, quietly weaving xenon machine.

Xenon is a wool fabric with Tibetan characteristics, also called Tibetan wool. Its weaving technology has a long history and is a necessity in the daily life of Tibetans.

The xenon being made in front of you is different: the warp threads made of primary yak wool are intertwined with cashmere weft threads of primrose yellow, navy blue, forget-me-not blue and other colors, which are finely and densely woven into intricate and exquisite patterns.

On May 5, Tibetan women dressed in traditional costumes weave in front of a xenon machine on Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street in Shanghai. Photo by China News Agency reporter Li Shuzheng

"This is the new trick we learned when we came to Shanghai!" Bian Ba Piaoduo, chairman of the Gangzi County Farmer Professional Cooperative in Gyantse County, Shigatse City, happily turned up the corner of the xenon to show the reporter: "Look! This pattern is still double-sided! ”

On the other side of the booth, shawls, scarves, blankets, etc. made of xenon are on display. "It is sticky and soft to the touch" "The scarf color is so beautiful and it is also very good to match clothes"... The Shanghai people who came to participate in the "Shigatse City and Five Counties 'Fifth Five' Consumption Exhibition" cast curious and appreciative eyes to the products of Xenon and couldn't help but reach out and touch them.

On May 5, xenon products were exhibited at the "Shigatse City and Five Counties 'May Five' Consumer Exhibition". Photo by China News Agency reporter Li Shuzheng

From traditional Tibetan daily necessities to high-end textile products widely loved by consumers, the gorgeous "appearance" of Jiao Xuan on Nanjing East Road is inseparable from the "Shanghai craftsman" Guo Xiuling.

Guo Xiuling is the winner of the 2019 "Shanghai Craftsman" title. In 2002, Guo Xiuling returned from Germany and built a cashmere factory in Jinshan, Shanghai. Many world-renowned brands came to her door and asked her to develop the design into mass production. These cashmere products from Jinshan, Shanghai, have become sought-after luxury goods after being labeled as big brands.

In 2012, Guo Xiuling voluntarily stopped the factory's OEM business and created her own brand, Sandriver. After more than ten years of hard work, Sha Juan has stores in more than ten countries and regions, and has participated in Paris Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Home Design Exhibition for many times, and famous high-end department stores in Paris have taken the initiative to invite them to set up cabinets in their venues.

the nine-colored deer and algae well patterns on the murals of the Mogao Grottoes; Jinshan peasant painter paints cute piglets... These have all appeared in cashmere products in the sand. "The more national, the more worldly." Guo Xiuling said.

When the "Shanghai craftsman" turned into a helper in the Tibetan industry, Guo Xiuling focused her attention on the handicraft of Xuanxen.

"The xenon process has a long history. Xenon weaving is also an important source of income for the local population, especially women. Guo Xiuling said that however, most of the traditional xenon process designs are only suitable for local consumption, and it is difficult to open up a broader market; The simple spinning rack is operated by hand and the output is relatively low. "Under the multiple challenges, some family workshops are unable to survive, and some of the skills are at risk of being lost."

In the past three years, this "Shanghai craftsman" has repeatedly gone deep into the snowy plateau: visiting rural workshops and family workshops, helping local craftsmen sort out their crafts and digging the brilliance of xenon craftsmanship; Communicate with local rural cooperatives and carpet factories and learn from each other.

Guo Xiuling also set up a xenon R&D center in Shanghai: invited textile fiber experts and textile machinery experts to jointly develop and innovate the materials of xenon and "transform and upgrade" the xenon machine; Bringing together designers from all over the world to design products with Tibetan characteristics and diversified aesthetics; A number of Tibetan craftsmen were invited to visit the R&D center to learn new crafts and design patterns. Bian Ba Pian Duo and her mother are the latest batch of "guests" in the R&D center.

Bianba's mother has been weaving traditional xenon for 44 years. At this time, this Tibetan aunt sat next to the "upgraded" Xenon machine and smiled happily. "This (machine) is very easy to use and not tiring." Another Tibetan sister said while spinning.

In Guo Xiuling's view, counterpart support is always "two-way". "There are too many 'good things' of all nationalities, we should always respect, respect and appreciate, and let the good things join hands in exchanges and cooperation, so that they are better than each other."

The loom creaked, and a long stretch of xenon extended into the wider world. "In September this year, I will take my Tibetan aunt and sister to Paris to show the art of Xenxon to the world." Guo Xiuling said. (End)