Ribbon Cutting - exhibit of the Nanjing Brocade Institute of Nanjing, China

During Bountiful/Davis Summerfest International 2008, the Davis Chamber of Commerce facilitated a Ribbon Cutting to open the exhibit of the Nanjing Brocade Institute of Nanjing, China at the South Davis Recreation Center in Bountiful (550 North 200 West) on August 5th at 4pm.

The exhibit featured a giant loom (1900 pieces) that was assembled at the Recreation Center and several imperial robes and other items that are made from the brocaded cloth. The process of weaving the silk brocade fabric has been in continuous use for nearly 1500 years and the cloth woven on the looms was used exclusively by the emperors for clothing, furnishings and gifts, particularly during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Today the tradition of making the Nanjing brocade has been placed at the top of China’s list of cultural treasures seeking inclusion on UNESCO’s list of Masterpieces of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The public was able to view the actual working of the loom by a group of weavers headed by the Director of the Institute, Wong Baolin. No admission was charged, instead patrons needed to wear wrist bands provided at the entrance of the Recreation Center.

Also on display with the loom was the torch that was carried in the Beijing Olympics relay by Hans Holz, Secretary General of IOV.

This exhibit was held in conjunction with the 20th Bountiful/Davis Summerfest International and the 1st IOV World Youth Congress.