Thatch weaving is revived in Shandong's county

In Fugang town – located in Shanxian county in East China's Shandong province – local artisan Tian Maosheng is breathing new life into the age-old art of thatch weaving.

With total concentration Tian Maosheng weaves a flower vase, showing the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each piece. [Photo by Wang Xiaolan for chinadaily.com.cn]

At 48 years old, Tian has been a cultural and sports stalwart for the town since his graduation in 1997.

Renowned for his expertise in fine arts, he previously explored different crafts, including porcelain carving, paper-cutting, clay sculptures and handmade lanterns.

Two years ago, he discovered the rich tradition of thatch weaving, immersing himself in learning from villagers and committing to the revival of this time-honored craft.

Thatch weaving employs a raft of materials with vibrant hues. Popular choices today include straw, thatch and corn husks. Of these, thatch stands out as affordable and easily accessible.

"Cut when green and dried in well-ventilated spaces, thatch has a natural smell that gives a unique charm to the crafted items," Tian said. (Edited by Zhou Yunlai)