Shu Brocade Clutch Bag pure silk with tradional Chinese patterns

Shu Brocade, a general term for the distinctive silk brocades produced in Shu Prefecture (present-day Chengdu, Sichuan) from the Han Dynasty to the Three Kingdoms period. Typically woven with dyed, processed silk threads, Shu Brocade employs warp threads to create patterns, utilizing color strips to form or embellish designs. It combines geometric arrangements with decorative motifs, characterized by:

Colored warp threads as the foundational design

Floral additions via color strips

Interplay of warp and weft in pattern formation

Sequential layering of color strips and brocade clusters

Square, linear, and geometric frameworks with floral accents

Symmetrical patterns and four-directional continuity

Vibrant hues and strong contrasts

With a 2,000-year history, Shu Brocade exemplifies China's ethnic and regional textile artistry. It is revered as one of China's "Four Great Brocades," alongside Nanjing's Yun Brocade, Suzhou's Song Brocade, and Guangxi's Zhuang Brocade.