Making a Song Brocade Horse
On March 19, He Yinyin, an international student from Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, joined students from Lanzhou No. 8 Middle School in a lively intangible cultural heritage workshop featuring Song brocade. Led by an instructor, they explored Song brocade and crafted adorable horse pendants, celebrating the Year of the Horse through hands-on creativity.
The teacher introduced Song brocade as one of China' s four famous brocades and a national intangible cultural heritage, known for its elegant patterns and warm luster. For the Year of the Horse, participants created horse pendants symbolizing "wealth on the way," with a gold ingot on the back and a copper coin attached. He Yinyin and the students eagerly set to work.
The process involved following steps: cutting the fabric, applying double-sided tape, wrapping and securing, gluing the base, adding decorative elements, and braiding a hanging cord. Yinyin admitted it was more delicate than expected. She carefully cut the precious fabric with help from her Chinese peers.
From initial hesitation, Yinyin grew confident with encouragement from her new friends. The students added their own creative touches, resulting in uniquely decorated horses. Through focused work and lighthearted conversation, the ancient craft came alive across cultures.
At the end, Yinyin proudly displayed her pendant, which now hangs on her backpack. "I used to think intangible heritage was distant, but now I've made one myself, made new friends, and truly felt its beauty." she said.
Through this workshop, Song brocade bridged cultures, bringing Chinese and foreign youth together to experience tradition in a meaningful way.
翻译：徐婉钰
二校：温纪超
三校：赵雨欣