ISU Boosted China National Silk Museum with “A Wor

According to Joseph Needham, a well-known expert in Chinese science and technology history, member of the Royal Society of London, UK, the character “机(jī)” in ancient Chinese has double meanings: (1) Loom; (2) Matter of wit and intelligence. These definitions equate loom with the ability to learn and invent. People from all corners of the world share the knowledge of loom and weaving. However, as this exhibit attests, different regions in different periods develop specific looms to produce unique textile types.

Loom is an ancient and great invention of the textile industry.

Opening on May 30, A World of Looms is organized by the China National Silk Museum with the support of many scholars and research institutions. It is the first exhibition in China to present the rich cultural heritage of looms and weaving technologies from around the world. The displays include more than 50 looms and many of their associated textiles, organized by their geographical locations. These objects celebrate the marches of textile innovations through the lens of global textile traditions: It highlights the vital role of cultural exchanges along the Silk Road for the evolution of loom types in China and its bordering regions. Furthermore, it illustrates the adaptions of looms and weaving practice worldwide in facing the rapid change of traditional custom and in meeting new demands. Last, it emphasizes the need to preserve weaving knowledge, for it is quintessential to all cultures.

At this time, ISU assisted China National Silk Museum with the collections of  Vietnamese Loom and Cambodian Loom.

Cambodia's long weaving tradition can be traced back to the 7th century. Weaving at the household and village levels is done on large wooden frame looms, often under stilt houses. It still stays in the handmade family workshop stage now. Intricate Cambodian ikats (hol) are world-renowned. The Cambodian loom is supplied by ISU member unit---Artisan Angkor Co., Ltd.

Today, weaving in Vietnam is rapidly becoming mechanized, with industrial looms dominating textile production. This is a modern loom for producing rough silk fabrics from Red River Delta, North Vietnamese. It was made in 1950s and donated by ISU member unit---Vietnam Sericulture Corporation - Joint Stock Company.

On July 14, China National Silk Museum hold the activity of “Khmer Evening”. ISU secretariat assisted to invite Mr. PVA Eang Khoing, silk production director of ISU member unit---Artisan Angkor Co., Ltd. and local weaver to the “Khmer Evening”, having a speech and manufacturing show.

In the afternoon, Mr. PVA Eang Khoing introduced the Cambodian silk industry and local weaving looms. After then, the weaver showed the manufacturing skill with local characteristics. Audience have a basic and comprehensive understanding of Cambodian silk.

On the cultural lecture in the evening, Experts and scholars with multi-level and multi-angle speeches aroused everyone's interest of Cambodian silk.

Mr. PVA Eang Khoing, silk production director of Artisan Angkor Co., Ltd, again to give a lecture about Angkor Silk Farm ranging from sericulture to weaving. Fulling of exotic in Cambodia.

Liu Shuangshuang, secretary of International Silk Union, and vice director of Hangzhou Silk Culture and Brand Research Center, introduced the silk development in Cambodia on the perspective of ISU’s investigation, showing a view of cultural blending by country to country through cooperation and exchanges.

Wang Li, deputy general manager of Zhejiang New World International Travel Co., Ltd. guest professor of Hangzhou Wenlan Forum, and guest professor of Hangzhou Normal University, had a deep interpretation of Cambodian history, culture and folk customs with the topic of “Angkor smile”, which has ignited the enthusiasm of visitors to Cambodia.

Between the lecture, the unique Cambodia music and dance also brought a different experience performed by the Xizi National Orchestra from Hangzhou Opera and Dance Theatre; The audience tastes various Cambodian dessert; What’s more, the on-site Artisan Angkor handmade silk scarves were loved by domestic guests. The Silver Pavilion of the China National Silk Museum is like a time traversal, and is placed in the Khmer evening.