Ningbo grass mats are a treasured folk craft of the Zhejiang Province. Grass and straw mats have been a practical art form within the south of China for many centuries.

Materials used to make Ningbo grass mats include seat grass, wheat pole, salty grass, stem or leaf of cattail, Chinese alpine rush and Maze shell. They are known for their durability and can last up to thirty years without wear.

According to historical records from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Ningbo grass mats were first produced in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and quickly transformed into a thriving industry. By the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), there were more than twenty workshops established in the Ningbo area with mats being transported to other provinces throughout China and also other Asian countries. Ningbo grass mats were even exported to a handful of European and African countries. During this time, new techniques were also developed by Ningbo craftsmen such as printed patterns and the use of a manual loom.

There are three main types of mats produced within Ningbo which are the hemp mat, the cotton gaze mat and the flexible mat. Yellow or white hemp fibres are finely spun and then weaved with manual wooden looms to produce highly durable and water proof hemp mats. As part of the traditional trousseau, brides were given a white hemp mat which could be used by the couple for up to thirty years.

The cotton gaze mat is light, thin and resistant to fading. The cotton fibres are dyed and weaved on a manual loom. The mat is then cleaned with hot steam to prevent the bright patterns and prints from fading. Cotton gaze mats are popular household ornaments and souvenirs. They are also used as meditation and prayer mats.

Flexible mats are placed on objects to preserve their freshness. They are often used as covers for seats, couches and small tables. 

Often known as the “ming mat” or “yong mat”, Ningbo grass mats are a famous local product and souvenir of Ningbo. They have been given as national presents to foreign guests. Ningbo grass mats are still exported to many countries around the world and are popular within China as both an ornament to prevent the summer heat and a traditional folk craft