缂丝 （Kesi）是中国古代最精细的 丝织工艺之一，以”通经断 纬”技法闻名。传统 缂丝使用 桑蚕丝线，细如 发丝（仅0.1-0.2毫米 ），需手工逐纬编织。因工艺极耗工时，古代一件龙袍料常需数名匠人耗时1-2年完成， 故有”一寸缂丝一寸金”之说。本次体验课设计为制作8-10cm的杯垫，初学者可在 2小时内完成基础纹样，既感受古法精髓，又收获实用作品。

Kesi (缂丝) is one of the most intricate and refined silk weaving techniques in ancient China, renowned for its unique method of “continuous warp and discontinuous weft.” Traditionally made with mulberry silk threads as fine as human hair (only 0.1–0.2 mm thick), Kesi textiles are woven entirely by hand, one weft thread at a time.

Due to its extreme time-consuming nature, a single piece of Kesi—such as the fabric for an imperial dragon robe—could take a team of artisans one to two years to complete. This craftsmanship was so precious that people once said: “An inch of Kesi is worth an inch of gold.”

Your Hands-On Journey

In this immersive workshop, beginners will create a 8-10cm coaster featuring traditional motifs, guided by simplified ancient methods. Within 2 hours, you’ll:
✓ Master basic Kesi weaving rhythms
✓ Explore symbolic patterns from Chinese textiles
✓ Craft a functional artwork with silk threads
✓ Uncover the philosophy behind “slow craftsmanship”

The workshop will be led by Edinburgh local artist Ye Yao.

About Chinese Culture Week

Chinese Culture Week is an intercultural initiative that brings Chinese artists, creators, educators, and performers to one of the world’s largest arts festivals—the Edinburgh Fringe. First launched in 2024, CCW is designed not just as a showcase, but as a platform for meaningful cultural dialogue between China and the rest of the world. Through theatre, exhibitions, workshops, and live performances, CCW offers a rare opportunity to experience Chinese culture not as a monolith, but as a dynamic, evolving conversation.

CCW is curated and produced by the Intercultural Connections Initiative (ICI), a Scotland-registered community interest company dedicated to fostering cultural exchange through the performing arts. ICI is led by a young and international team of cultural producers, educators, and creative strategists, with roots in both East and West. Together, they bring a fresh perspective to global cultural engagement—one grounded in empathy, innovation, and long-term partnership.

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