Cheng Shiming – Bamboo-weaving Craftsman in Jinping County, Honghe 

Chen Shiming is a bamboo-weaving craftsman from Jinsuihe Town, Jinping County, Yunnan Province. He is highly skilled in bamboo weaving and has made significant contributions to preserving and promoting this traditional craft. His works are highly regarded for their unique design concepts, exquisite craftsmanship, and practical functionality. Chen Shiming has also been actively involved in passing down his skills to the younger generation, ensuring the continuation of this cultural heritage. His efforts have not only helped to revitalize the traditional bamboo-weaving industry in his hometown but have also gained recognition and support from the local government and community.

Personal Background

Chen Shiming was born in Jinsuihe Town, where he grew up surrounded by the rich traditions of bamboo weaving. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in this craft and began learning from local masters. Over the years, he has honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of bamboo weaving techniques.

Craft Features

  • Material Selection: Chen Shiming carefully selects bamboo that is three to five years old, as it has the optimal density, strength, and flexibility. The bamboo is harvested between winter and early spring to ensure quality.
  • Bamboo Processing: He skillfully splits the bamboo into narrow strips, shaves off the outer green layer, and uses heat to shape the bamboo pieces to the required forms.
  • Weaving Techniques: Using various techniques such as lifting, pressing, twisting, and interlocking, Chen Shiming weaves the bamboo strips into intricate patterns and diverse shapes.
  • Finishing and Polishing: After weaving, he trims excess strips and polishes the piece with sandpaper or small tools to achieve a smooth, polished finish.

Weaving Techniques and Patterns

  • Warp and Weft Technique: This foundational method weaves bamboo strips in a cross pattern, providing a base structure. Chen Shiming enhances this basic method by adding other techniques such as sparse weaving, locking, and lacing, creating complex and diverse patterns.
  • Color Matching: For colorful creations, he uses dyed bamboo strips, interweaving them to produce vivid, striking designs.

Styles and Regional Characteristics

  • Local Style: Chen Shiming’s works reflect the local characteristics of Jinsuihe Town, incorporating traditional patterns and modern elements to create unique bamboo products.

Legacy and Contributions

  • Skill Transmission: Chen Shiming actively organizes training sessions to teach the younger generation bamboo-weaving skills, ensuring the continuation of this cultural heritage.
  • Local Industry Development: He has played a key role in promoting the local bamboo-weaving industry, helping to create employment opportunities and increase the income of local residents.
  • Cultural Promotion: Through participation in various exhibitions and cultural activities, Chen Shiming has increased the visibility of Jinsuihe Town’s bamboo-weaving craft, attracting more attention and support.

Influence and Honors

  • Chen Shiming’s works have gained wide recognition and have been showcased at various cultural exhibitions and fairs.
  • His dedication and contributions to the preservation and promotion of bamboo-weaving craft have earned him respect and honor within the local community and beyond.