Recognize the four arts at a glance: the difference in texture between rattan weaving, bamboo weaving, willow weaving, and hemp weaving

Rattan weaving utilizes rattan branches and core as the skeleton, woven with rattan skin as the outer layer, capitalizing on rattan's softness and durability. Colors often retain the original light yellow of the rattan, or are bleached to ivory white, occasionally accented with coffee and brown, creating a soft and elegant effect. The framework is constructed from thick rattan, followed by the skin and core, and finally painted. The resulting product boasts a rich pattern, combining a delicate texture with durability, creating a warm and inviting addition to any home.

Bamboo weaving emphasizes both fine and coarse thread. It undergoes three steps: grounding, weaving, and interlocking. Warp and weft weaving is the foundation, interspersed with techniques such as loose weaving, threading, and interlocking. The bamboo strands are smoothed with a knife, resulting in a uniform thickness like a hairline. Dyeing allows for vibrant patterns, the exquisiteness of which can be described as "fingertip micro-carving."

Wicker weaving utilizes willow twigs, leveraging their softness and uniformity. The twigs are then shaved, polished, and dyed before being woven. Five core techniques—flat weaving, strung weaving, and stacked weaving—are employed. From willow twig planting to finished product, the process relies heavily on handwork. These weaving techniques create both practical and artistic objects, their rustic, natural style earning them the title of "a treasure of Chinese weaving art."

Hemp weaving utilizes the bark fibers of ramie and jute, which are retting and degummed before being woven into both household items and decorative items. Hemp weaving possesses inherent moisture-absorbing and durable properties. While simple to produce, it exudes a rustic, resilient quality. Bleaching or plant-dyed weaving further enhances its natural charm, making it a representative example of understated, practical weaving.

The warmth of rattan, the delicacy of bamboo, the rusticity of willow, and the tenacity of hemp—all four hand-woven techniques share a common origin in nature, yet they unleash distinct charms through the interplay of the natural qualities of the material and the ingenuity of the artisan. Rattan weaving uses rattan branches as the skeleton and rattan bark as the covering, weaving elegance into the home with its soft and resistant properties. Bamboo weaving uses hair-like fine bamboo threads to create vibrant patterns with the "fingertip micro-carving" technique. Willow weaving draws on the symmetrical and flexible willow branches, imbued with a natural and rustic charm through hand-polishing. Hemp weaving, relying on the tough fibers of ramie and jute, showcases practicality in its simplicity.

Today, as our fast-paced lives increasingly spur a desire to connect with nature, these woven objects, imbued with time and craftsmanship, have become the perfect medium for this emotional connection. Whether it's the warmth of a rattan sofa, the elegance of a bamboo tea set, the wild charm of a willow flower basket, or the rustic simplicity of a hemp placemat, they all speak volumes about the vitality of traditional craftsmanship. Distinguishing these differences not only allows us to appreciate the beauty of the craftsmanship, but also allows us to resonate with the ancient wisdom of "using local materials and applying techniques tailored to the conditions" when touching these objects, allowing this warmth of nature to continue to permeate modern life.