Blue flower cloth printing and dyeing technique

Zhejiang
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The blue flower cloth printing and dyeing technique has a long history. It is a skill that integrates life and art. It was recorded as early as the "Guangxu Xianju County Chronicles". Blue flower cloth printing and dyeing was introduced to Xianju, Zhejiang during the Han and Jin Dynasties. After being nurtured in the Tang and Song Dynasties, it developed to its peak from the late Qing Dynasty to the early liberation. There are more than 200 varieties and patterns of blue printed cloth. At present, more than 30 kinds of blue printed cloth have been collected and archived, and 9 kinds of flower plates have been rescued and protected. Xianju blue printed cloth is a treasure of farmers born and raised in the countryside, with unique materials. The cloth blanks are the self-woven cloth of farmers, commonly known as "home machine cloth", and the woven coarse cloth commonly known as "lake cloth" (produced in Hubei). The fabric is thick, sturdy and durable. The more it is used, the softer the quilts or clothes made of it are, the warmer they are in winter and the cooler they are in summer. In the old days, when farmers married their daughters, blue printed quilts were a necessary dowry. As an intangible cultural heritage, the blue flower cloth printing and dyeing technique of Xianju is very unique. Its floral patterns are full of strong local flavor and national customs. They are soft, natural, fresh, beautiful, elegant and have distinct local colors and national characteristics. The important value of Xianju blue floral printing and dyeing technology is reflected in: 1. Unique craft value. The alum slurry printing and anti-dyeing method used is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese printing and dyeing technology. It integrates art, engraving, printing, dyeing and chemical technology, and is the crystallization of traditional Chinese wisdom. 2. Deep humanistic value. Xianju blue printed cloth has a blue background with white flowers, yin and yang complement each other, dignified and peaceful, simple and heavy, filled with the Chinese nation's philosophical concept of moderation and harmony, overflowing with the simple and vivid aesthetic tradition of the Chinese nation, and is an aesthetic specimen of national emotion.

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