The folk artisan re-weaves away the shalo

The master behind this revival is Li Hailong, a passionate artisan who has dedicated his life to bringing back the ancient art of Luo weaving. During a visit to his embroidery factory, the author witnessed several female weavers busily working on a batch of "fabric" using a special loom. This fabric, known as the legendary Luo silk satin, will soon be sent to the Guangzhou Asian Games. After passing quality checks, it will be presented as a gift to foreign dignitaries.

Li Hailong explained that silk and silk-like seafood have long been associated with luxury, and Luo silk is considered a treasure among ancient fabrics. Its texture is light and thin, with a unique quality that ancient poets once described as “so fine it seems to smoke,” and “Yao Luoxian, the glimpse of the skin” praised its silky smoothness, breathability, and cool feel. The fabric is elegant, non-sticky, and has a strong three-dimensional appearance, reflecting deep cultural beauty. However, at the end of the Qing Dynasty, with the arrival of Western industrialization in China, the complex and inefficient process of making Luo silk gradually fell out of use, leading to its near disappearance and the loss of ancient techniques.

Driven by his passion for textiles, Li Hailong began researching Luo weaving in 1994. He visited museums to study historical relics, traveled to rural areas to meet traditional artisans, consulted experts at research institutes, and even traveled abroad multiple times. His journey was filled with challenges and failures. But after more than a decade of relentless effort, he finally mastered the ancient Luo weaving technique. He also developed the “Rayra machine and its kneading process,” enabling the modern production of ancient Luo silk. His craftsmanship earned him a national technology invention patent from the State Intellectual Property Office.

Since their introduction, Li Hailong’s Luo scarves have become highly sought after. The 26th World University Games next year has already confirmed Suzhou Hua Luo as a special gift, further cementing the legacy of this revived art form.