Chinese Bamboo Weaving: 7,000 Years of Everyday Craft

Chinese bamboo weaving (竹编, zhubian) is one of the oldest crafts in Chinese material culture. Bamboo grows fast, splits cleanly and bends without breaking, so for thousands of years it has been turned into baskets, trays, boxes, mats, hats and lanterns. Today the same techniques produce elegant pieces for modern kitchens and living rooms.

An ancient craft

Woven bamboo objects found at the Hemudu Neolithic site in Zhejiang are often dated to around 7,000 years ago, which makes the craft among the oldest in China. By the Warring States period weaving had become more refined, producing boxes and bowls, and patterns resembling bamboo weaving appear even on bronze pieces from the Qin dynasty. In later dynasties woven bamboo spread from purely practical tools to decorative objects, toys and fine storage boxes.

How bamboo becomes a basket

1. Selecting the culm. Weavers choose bamboo of the right age, straight and free from cracks.
2. Splitting and slicing. The culm is split into strips, then sliced into thin, even splints. The finest work uses strips almost as thin as paper.
3. Treating. Strips may be boiled, dried or carbonised. Carbonised bamboo takes on a warm brown tone and is more resistant to moisture.
4. Weaving. Flat weaves, twill weaves, open hexagonal weaves and many decorative patterns are built strip by strip, often over a mould.
5. Finishing. Rims are bound, edges trimmed and surfaces smoothed so the piece is pleasant to hold.

Famous bamboo regions

Bamboo grows across southern China, and several places are known for weaving. Anji in Zhejiang is closely associated with bamboo crafts, and Sichuan, Fujian and Guizhou each have their own traditions. Some regional bamboo weaving skills are protected as intangible cultural heritage in China.

Bamboo weaving in the modern home

Woven bamboo is light, strong and naturally beautiful. It works well for:

• Baskets for fruit, bread, toys or throws.
• Trays for serving tea or styling a coffee table.
• Storage boxes that keep shelves tidy.
• Kitchen pieces such as steamers, cups and utensil holders.

How to care for woven bamboo

• Wipe with a dry or lightly damp cloth, and let pieces dry fully in a ventilated spot.
• Keep bamboo away from long soaking, dishwashers and direct heat.
• Avoid strong sunlight for long periods, which can dry and fade the fibres.
• In humid weather, give pieces air around them to prevent mould.

Discover the full Bamboo Weaving collection and bring a little of this long tradition into everyday life.