One of the Most Representative Silk Arts in China

Shu Brocade originated more than 2,700 years ago during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods in the ancient Shu civilization of Chengdu.It is one of the oldest and most refined silk brocades in China. Often referred to as the “Mother of Brocades,” Shu Brocade is recognized alongside Yun Brocade and Song Brocade as one of the Three Great Brocades of China.

As early as the Han and Tang dynasties, Shu Brocade was transported along the ancient Shu roads and the Silk Road, reaching markets across Asia and beyond. At certain periods, it was even used as a form of currency.

Shu Brocade is renowned for:

a. Elegant Motifs

Traditional patterns draw inspiration from ancient Shu culture — cloud motifs, mythological landscapes, birds, beasts, and classical floral designs from the Tang and Song eras.

b. Rich Colors

Through a combination of traditional dyeing knowledge and refined silk thread coloration, Shu Brocade presents luminous yet balanced tones characteristic of Eastern aesthetics.

c. Technical Complexity

From silkworm cultivation to final finishing, Shu Brocade involves nearly 70 intricate processes, including silk preparation, thread twisting, pattern drafting, pattern setup (Tiaohua Jieben), weaving, and finishing.

d. Refined Texture

Dense, lustrous silk surfaces, layered pattern depth, and a soft yet structured hand feel made Shu Brocade highly prized among royalty, scholars, and cultural elites throughout Chinese history.

Shu Brocade is not merely fabric — it is a woven painting, a visual language shaped over millennia.