The Nottingham Confucius Institute (NCI) at the University of Nottingham was delighted to host a captivating Mandarin Corner dedicated to the exquisite art of Song Brocade on Friday 7 November. The event drew a lively crowd of around 50 students, staff and local residents for an evening of cultural discovery and hands-on creativity.
The session opened with an engaging introduction to the history of Song Brocade, a textile so revered it's known as the "crown of brocades." Participants learned about its origins in the Song Dynasty and its modern status as a protected intangible cultural heritage.
From there, the excitement grew as attendees delved into the symbolism of classic brocade patterns. A dynamic group discussion and quiz had everyone exploring the stories behind motifs like the "Eight Connections" and "Coin" patterns, sparking lively conversation and collaborative learning.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the evening was the hands-on craft session. Participants had the unique opportunity to work with authentic Song Brocade, creating their own beautiful wind chimes or pearl-adorned artwork. The room was filled with focused energy as everyone carefully assembled their pieces, resulting in a wonderful array of creations that blended traditional elegance with personal flair.
"It's one thing to see pictures in a book, but to actually handle this material and create something with your own hands—it’s incredible," shared one postgraduate student, holding up her finished piece.
The event was a inspiring demonstration of how language learning and cultural experience can intertwine, leaving everyone looking forward to the next gathering.
