Experts repair and restore ancient silk

You might think that it takes a young pair of hands and eyes to restore a piece of ancient silk. But 75-year-old Wang Yarong is disproving that theory and putting all her years of experience and knowledge to the craft.

Wang Yarong has six coronary stents in her heart. But those major operations haven't got in the way of her work with ancient Chinese silk.


"It's complicated and unpredictable. So you have to concentrate and use your hands, brain and eyes," Wang said.

"You need to pay attention to preserve this part properly," Wang said.

After stripping away the surface dirt, the brocade goes through multiple processes before its true colours are revealed.

Wang Yarong does extensive research to verify where and when the fabric comes from and then comes up with a repair plan.

Sometimes the process takes a few months - in other cases it can take more than ten years.

After cleaning and studying the textiles, Wang reproduces the classic fabrics with special weaving techniques.


To help, she managed to find a weaving couple - Li Dexi and his wife - who live in East China's Suzhou.

"She is determined to reproduce the fine things our ancestors created. We can't let these things die out. After all, we don't take our skills with us to the grave, right? We have to pass on these techniques to our descendants,"  Li said.

"Now that China's economy is growing so well. China is flourishing. We talk about "clothing, food, housing, traveling". I think clothes are what everyone needs. We should certainly present the best China has got in terms of higher level silk cloth. Let's show it to the whole world," Wang said.

Wang Yarong and her partners appreciate the traditions surrounding ancient Chinese silk work and devote their knowledge and craftsmanship to the art.