Echoes in Indigo Geometry
United Nations Registration No.00168
Heritage Since
Continuously practiced since the Late Shang Dynasty (c. 1200 BCE)
Collector Grade
Each panel is handwoven by Li artisans, available in extremely limited seasonal batches
Manual Hours
More than 35 hours of manual loom setting, dyeing, weaving, and finishing
📜 Story Behind the Craft
Li brocade is an ancient textile tradition native to the Li people of Hainan Island, passed down through over three millennia. The patterns on this bag, reminiscent of ancient ceramic motifs and mountain symbols, are handwoven using a backstrap loom. Each element holds cultural meaning—wishes for peace, family, and the cyclical rhythms of nature.
This piece combines time-honored patterns with a clean, structured silhouette inspired by "blue and white porcelain" elegance.
📐 Product Specifications
- Size: 11.8 × 11 × 3.9 inches
- Fabric: Handwoven cotton-linen Li brocade panel with plant-based indigo dye
- Structure: Zipper closure; reinforced seams; circular wooden handles
- Interior: Lined with soft cotton, includes small zip pocket
- Style: Elegant tote for handheld carry; lightweight yet structured
🤝 Made with Care
Hand-loomed by Li artisans using natural cotton and botanical dyes from island flora such as shunmu and turmeric. The indigo tone is developed through layered dye baths and sun curing, while the hardwood handles are sealed with natural oil, ensuring a sustainable and toxin-free accessory.
🧵 Craftsmanship & Ingredients
- Fibers: Locally sourced cotton and hand-spun kapok
- Dyes: Indigofera leaves, turmeric root, and shunmu
- Techniques: Backstrap loom weaving with supplemental patterning
- Hardware: Natural solid wood ring handles polished to satin smoothness
🌏 Artisan & Origin Spotlight
Handwoven in southern Hainan by elder Li women who preserve this intangible cultural practice not just as work, but as sacred tradition. The cloth is woven thread by thread, often over several days per panel.
Each bag supports the revitalization of village craftsmanship and brings traditional storytelling to contemporary life.
🏛️ Cultural Heritage Recognition
Rooted in Island Textile Traditions
This bag features Li brocade, a hallmark of Hainan’s indigenous culture, which is among the most complex textile arts in Asia. Each pattern preserves a visual archive of Li cosmology, nature, and oral history.
UNESCO ICH Recognition
🔖 UNESCO ICH No.00168: Traditional Spinning, Dyeing, and Weaving of the Li Ethnic Group
🔗 Learn more at the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage website →
Carrying this handbag is not only a statement of style—but of cultural continuity.
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Worldwide Shipping
Carefully packed and shipped with tracking. Wherever you are, we’ll get it to you.
Mindful Packaging
Plastic-free, low-waste materials. Designed to protect your order and the planet.
