Changing times: Willow weaving becomes a new cultural icon

In Linshu, Shandong, 76-year-old Liu Jianguo has never given up wicker. Even as machine-woven willow weavings flood the market, he persists in using traditional hand-weaving techniques. "Machines weave quickly, but without the warmth of hands, they fall apart after a few years." Each twig in his "swastika" pattern willow weavings is carefully selected, and every grain is meticulously crafted. A single large storage basket often takes over ten days to complete. Today, his works are no longer just tools for the farmyard, but treasures sought after by collectors. They have even been exhibited internationally as intangible cultural heritage. The elder often says, "As long as these hands can move, I will not let the craft of our ancestors perish." It is this perseverance that ensures the traditional art of willow weaving remains intact.

The entry of the younger generation has given willow weaving new ways to explore new possibilities. 27-year-old Li Yuan, who studied visual design in college, resolutely returned to her hometown after graduation to learn willow weaving from Liu Jianguo. She discovered that the natural texture of willow weaving perfectly complemented modern home decor, and so she boldly experimented with incorporating modern design concepts into traditional willow weaving. Her willow lampshades, with their fine grain, filter light, creating dappled shadows on the wall, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere. Her wicker handbags, paired with simple leather straps, have become a fashionable item for young people shopping. To promote willow weaving, Li Yuan shares her weaving process on short video platforms, showcasing every detail, from picking the willow branches to the finished product. This has attracted hundreds of thousands of followers. "I want everyone to know that willow weaving isn't just antique; it can be fashionable." Li Yuan's innovations have helped willow weaving shed its "old-fashioned" image and re-enter the lives of young people.

In Funan, Anhui, Zhang Wei, a young man born after 1995, has taken willow weaving even further. He established a willow weaving cooperative, integrating local veteran artisans, standardizing raw material procurement, establishing production standards, and establishing online sales channels.

Today, Funan willow weaving is not only a hot seller domestically, but is also exported to Europe, America, Japan, South Korea, and other countries through cross-border e-commerce. Foreign consumers appreciate the natural and environmentally friendly nature of willow weaving and are even more amazed by its embodied Eastern aesthetic. Zhang Wei said, "Every time I receive positive feedback from foreign customers, I feel extremely proud, because this is not just about selling willow weaving, but also about spreading Chinese culture."