Exhibition place：Temporary Exhibition Gallery, China National Silk Museum

Exhibition time：2017.3 - 2017.6

The Zhuang nationality is the most populous ethnic minority in China (population is 16,926,000 in 2010), of which more than 85% live in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (population is 15,088,200 in 2015).

Ancestors of Zhuang nationality are one of the earliest who cultivated rice, they has formed their unique culture of stilt style construction, bronze drum, sticky rice, brocade, costume and folk songs.Among which the brocade and embroidery culture reflect their yearning and pursuit of better life. 

Part One:Zhuang Costumes

In the pre-Qin period, the ancestors of the Zhuang nationality had already mastered the original textile technology. With the continuous improvement of productivity and the constant change of society,the costumes of Zhuang nationality presented various styles in different historical periods or for different branches. Heavy or light, complex or simple, different headdress or different shape, patterned or plain, the costumes of Zhuang nationality showed us colorful features.

Part Two: Zhuang Brocade

Early in the Han Dynasty, Zhuang brocade had been produced. In the Ming Dynasty, it had became a tribute to the imperial court. Zhuang brocade is weaved by bamboo cage loom, with geometric figures, plants and animals as main patterns. The texture of Zhuang brocade is soft and thick,used as a quilt cover, hanging, backpack and strap, etc. It's main origin include Longzhou, Jingxi, Xincheng and Binyang County in Guangxi. In 2006, the Zhuang brocade was included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage protection list.

Part Three:Tie-dyeing

Early inthe Neolithic Age,the ancestors of Guangxi people have the custom of using dyed tattoos. During Tang and Song Dynasties, printing and dyeing fabrics produced in Guangxi are nationally famous. After the Tang and Song Dynasties, the advanced dyeing process of the central China had been introduced into Guangxi,but the indigo dying process and tie-dyeing process of Zhuang nationality is saved till nowadays.

Part Four: Embroidery

Zhuang embroidery is mainly used for decorating dresses, and also for strap, curtain, sheet, etc. The embroidered ball which delivers amorous affection between man and woman is the most ethnic art work that represents Zhuang nationality. The main embroidery patterns are lotus, kylin, gourds, flowers and other auspicious patterns such as longevity.