China is home to about one-third of the world's 1,300 species of bamboo. For centuries, its tough, pliable stalks have been deftly woven into a wide variety of objects combining utility with remarkable artistic expression.

Ancient Fashion

Bamboo, pine and plum -- known as "three good friends in the cold years" -- have always been popular among the Chinese people. Whether strong, light, smooth or straight, bamboo is one of the most favorable materials used by handicraftsmen in China.

Bamboo basketry, an art of weaving or coiling and sewing flexible sawalis to form vessels or other commodities, has a long history in China. In primitive society, ancient people had mastered the skills of basketry using grass, bamboo, straw, etc, which is proven by the unearthed relics from the Liangchu Culture Period. The bamboo basketry has been employed by primitive people to make crude huts, articles of dress and adornment, granaries, traps, boats, cooking utensils, water vessels, and other utensils.

These hand-woven craftworks, which were light, convenient and cheap, later became favorites in people's lives, including daily articles, articles for cultural use and entertainment, cooking utensils, mats, shoes and caps, craftworks for ornaments, and so on. Today, many bamboo basketry products are exported to various countries and regions.