How did the Zhuang handicraft "Zhuang Brocade" develop so far?

The so-called "white square pattern" refers to the Zhuang brocade produced at that time. Its decorative pattern is a checkered geometric pattern, and its tone is monochrome. This is an early brocade with the basic characteristics of "massiness" and plaid pattern.

In Song Dynasty, the handicraft textile industry of Zhuang nationality was more developed. At that time, the Song Dynasty needed "silk, silk, cloth and silk brocade for military supplies" and established "Shujin Academy" in Sichuan. A large number of Shu brocade was transported to Guangxi and then exported from Guangxi.

The Zhuang people quickly accepted the craft of Shu Brocade, and the famous Zhuang Brocade came into being. (Excerpted from Huang Xianfan's General History of Zhuang Nationality) In the Ming Dynasty, Zhuang brocade became more and more popular and its craftsmanship became more and more exquisite. During the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, Zhuang brocade with dragon and phoenix patterns has become a tribute of the imperial court.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Zhuang brocade was woven with various colors of wool, which made Zhuang brocade present gorgeous colors. Although it is still a tribute of the royal family, ordinary people can enjoy it. At that time, it was produced in all counties. "Strong people love to choose clothes, skirts, towels and quilts, and all of them are woven with five-color wool, just like flowers and birds."

"Marry an urn, brocade quilt cover is absolutely indispensable, so that hometown people can knit. The local brocade is made of willow velvet and made into five colors. Thick and durable, worth five taels. My unmarried daughter will learn to knit a sweater. " Zhuang brocade is not only an article and ornament in the daily life of Zhuang people, but also an indispensable "female red" for Zhuang women. Zhuang brocade is an indispensable thing in dowry. At the end of the Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the Republic of China, Zhuang brocade began to decline.