AI technology is aiding in the preservation of China's intangible cultural heritage, enabling traditional crafts with thousands of years of history to be discovered by the world in innovative ways. At Shujing Hall in Chengdu's Jinmen Scenic Area in southwest China's Sichuan Province, artisans craft handicrafts daily using the intangible cultural heritage techniques of Shu embroidery and Shu brocade.
Since 2016, Zhong Ming, the director of Sichuan Shujin Communication Co., Ltd., and the head of Shujing Hall, has been leading his team in exploring AI digital image processing.
This technology converts customer-specified images into design drafts.
Machines then weave Shu brocade fabric based on these designs, and embroiderers add their craftwork onto the brocade.
The introduction of AI design technology has not only significantly sped up the pattern design process but also ensured the uniqueness of each piece."AI-powered Shu brocade and embroidery is our response to market demands.
It also broadens the expressive possibilities of traditional handicrafts, turning consumers into co-creators and thereby bringing Shu embroidery into thousands of households," said Zhong Ming.
"This approach shortens the design period for Shu brocade and enables personalized customization of embroidered and brocaded crafts.
In this process, customers can design for themselves, transforming from 'onlookers' to 'participants.'"Both Shu embroidery and Shu brocade are national-level intangible cultural heritage arts in China.
Shu brocade can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (770 BC - 221 BC), while Shu embroidery dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD).
They were once offered as tributes to royalty.
Due to the complex and demanding craftsmanship, a Shu embroidery or brocade piece typically takes several weeks, or even months, to complete from design to final product.
Consequently, these items are renowned for their rarity and value.
With the help of AI design, more people can now acquire personalized Shu embroidery and brocade crafts at a relatively affordable price.A prime example is the "Azure Waters of Jiuzhai Valley" jewelry series designed by Zhong Ming and his team, which is popular both in China and abroad.
They use AI to convert photographs of the colorful pools of Sichuan's famous world heritage site, Jiuzhai Valley, into ever-changing Shu brocade patterns.
These patterns are then used to create new cultural products like earrings and brooches, each one unique, beautiful, and practical.(Cover: An AI-powered Shu brocade and embroidery product by Zhong Ming's team.
/CFP)