bild
A Chinese female worker checks a piece of Yun brocade at a plant of a Yun brocade weaving factory, in Lianshui county, Huaian city, east Chinas Jiangsu province, July 1, 2008. Yun brocade, one of Chinas three famous brocades, is an eminent representative of Chinas prominent textile art. Yun Brocade was developed during the Yuan Dynasty (AD.1271- AD. 1368) although its origin could date back to the Southern Dynasty (AD.420- AD.589), and was popular in the Ming and Qing Dynasty as the imperial tribute. Yun brocade features quality material, refined weaving and the wide use of gold and silver threads. This magnificence gained the name of Yun, which is Chinese for Cloud. As the unique weaving skill cannot be undertaken by modern machinery, Yun brocade remains very expensive. (KEYSTONE/CHINAIMAGES/Cheng gang)