Plaiting and weaving has flourished from a primitive method of making household goods to becoming a praised art form. These folk arts have existed within China for over seven thousand years and have influenced many other Chinese handicrafts.

Weaving has many styles and techniques, which have been perfected over the centuries. Weaving creates a pattern by winding pieces of thread from one side to the other by needle or on a loom. Similar to weaving, plaiting involves doubling strips of material back upon itself and stitching it into the desired shape.

The main materials used for weaving are bamboo, grass and straw. Each object must be stripped to thin pieces, usually resembling the width of a single hair. Throughout the different eras in Chinese history, the uses and materials of weaving changed to suit the needs of the communities.

Straw weaving can be traced back to the Hemudu culture in the Neolithic Period (10000-2000 BC). Hundreds of straw relics have been found from this era. Bamboo weaving was also created in the Neolithic Period and is thought to have originated from the Liangzhu culture.

Straw weaving became a high demanding trade in the Qin (221-206 BC) and Han (206 BC-220 AD) Dynasties. As a product of agricultural civilization, famers mainly produced weaved products in their spare time.

During the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) Dynasties, bamboo weaving became a popular leisure activity throughout mainland China. Many objects, such as furniture and baskets, were made from weaved material. Straw mats could be seen in nearly every household in China and are still popular today. They are known throughout the world for their durability and resistance to water.

In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), bamboo weaving was often combined with other techniques and materials. The replication of famous paintings using weaved bamboo on roughcast was extremely popular among the wealthy. However, the authentic production and skills of weaving declined dramatically during this period.

The preservation of the skills involved in weaving and plaiting are of high value to the Chinese artistic community. New products are now being developed with an aesthetic and practical quality combined. Weaved baskets are currently used in many rural provinces instead of plastic bags as an environmentally friendly initiative. Weaved wallpaper, lampshades and carpets are once again starting to be seen in shops with new techniques and designs being developed. It is important for the skills of the older generation to be taught to the world so this perfected traditional folk art does not slip into only mass machine production.