The ageless architect of ancient silk

Finding the right antique loom exclusively used for Song brocade proved equally difficult. Although the silk museum housed many traditional looms, none could produce authentic Song brocade. While they appeared similar externally, their internal structures were entirely different. Qian had to redesign the loom from scratch while searching for workshops willing to assist.

Inspired by her determination, a local silk enterprise offered free workshop space, equipment and skilled workers. After years of experimentation and countless technical breakthroughs, Qian finally succeeded in reviving Song brocade.

She later returned to the antique shop with two pieces: the original worn fragment and a brand-new, perfectly restored piece. The shop owner was astonished — the last surviving seed of Song brocade had bloomed once again.

After restoring the core weaving technique, Qian turned her attention to reproducing ancient Song brocade treasures held in major museums across China. Her most challenging project began in 2009: re-creating Western Paradise, a priceless Song brocade scroll preserved by the Palace Museum in Beijing.

The scroll, Western Paradise, depicts 278 lifelike figures, each with distinct expressions, and stands more than three meters tall. The artwork boasts gorgeous colors and intricate patterns.