Zhang Velvet Silk
Zhang Velvet is woven with velvet as the warp and silk as the weft. It's named "Zhang Velvet" because it originated in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province.
Zhang Velvet comes in two main varieties: flowered Zhang Velvet and plain Zhang Velvet.
The styles of plush are determined by the pattern: Zhang Satin, with a velvet flower and satin background, and Zhang Velvet, with a velvet background and satin flower.
Craftsmanship, Value and Heritage
The core of Zhang Velvet lies in its unique craftsmanship: a satin base and silk pile. Weaving requires a specially designed wooden loom, where fine metal wires are embedded as raising rods to form the pile loops. These loops are then selectively cut according to the design, creating a three-dimensional, embossed pattern.
A treasured imperial product of the Ming and Qing dynasties, Zhang Velvet stands as a valuable artifact for studying ancient Chinese textile technology and imperial aesthetics. Its unique three-dimensional relief effect and soft, lustrous texture demonstrate its high artistic and aesthetic value.
Zhang Velvet was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage of China in 2006, granting it institutional protection. Relevant institutions are promoting the craft's legacy through digital documentation and the cultivation of inheritors.
What is Zhang Velvet Silk ?
Zhang Velvet Silk is a Luxury Silk fabric derived from traditional Chinese handicrafts.
SilkYue ‘s Zhang Velvet Fabric uses velvet warp and 100 % pure silk weft.
This Velvet Warp Silk Weft Construction combines the fluffy velvet suede of velvet with the natural luster of silk, and is the Silk and Velvet Hybrid Fabric favored by designers.
What are the types of Zhang Velvet Fabric ?
SilkYue offers two types of high-end Traditional Zhang Velvet:
1. Flowered Zhang Velvet (Huazhangrong / Hand-cut Zhang Velvet)
It is the top Cut Velvet Silk Fabric, which is made by traditional manual cutting process to form three-dimensional pattern.
2. Plain Zhang Velvet
The texture is uniform and patternless, and the handle is soft. It is an elegant and simple Plain Velvet Silk Fabric.
Both of them belong to high-end Authentic Zhang Velvet Silk fabrics, which are suitable for different styles of fashion and high-definition works.
What are the core process highlights of Zhang Velvet Silk ?
The value of Zhang Velvet Silk comes from the combination of tradition and craftsmanship:
1. Traditional Raising Velvet Technique
Ensuring high texture density and soft touch is the key to high-end Velvet Silk Fabric.
2. Handcrafted Cut Velvet
Artisans use special tools for manual cutting to achieve the level and three-dimensional sense of the pattern, which is the iconic process of Zhang Velvet Cut Velvet.
3. 100 % Mulberry Silk
With Velvet Warp, it forms an advanced Mulberry Silk Velvet Fabric to enhance texture and luxury.
This makes Zhang Velvet Silk a true representative of Luxury Zhang Velvet Textile and Artisanal Zhang Velvet Weaving.
Which customers are more suitable for Zhang Velvet Silk ?
SilkYue ‘s Zhang Velvet was created for the following customers:
Clothing Designer
It is suitable for making Couture Velvet Silk Fabric, show gown and high-grade garment.
High-end Consumers / Cultural Buyers
Interested in Chinese Traditional Velvet Craft and silk culture.
Fabric Wholesalers / Supply Chain customers
Find Zhang Velvet Silk for Wholesale or Velvet Silk Supplier China.
What are the typical application scenarios of Zhang Velvet Silk ?
SilkYue ‘s Zhang Velvet Silk is mainly used for:
- High fixed dress
- High-end clothing
- Designer series
- Luxury-grade fabric applications
Many designers regard it as the best choice for Silk Velvet for Couture or Luxury Velvet Silk for Fashion Designers.
How to clean and maintain Zhang Velvet Silk ?
In order to avoid damage to high-density suede and silk structures, it is recommended to use:
Professional dry Cleaning
Best way to protect the texture of Handcrafted Zhang Velvet Silk.
Hand Washing + Silk Special Lotion
If you need to wash with water, use warm water to wash gently to avoid friction damage to the villi.
Low Temperature Ironing
It can be ironed at room temperature to protect the surface of Velvet Silk Fabric.
Banned: bleach, strong alkaline lotion, strong drying.
What is the storage method of Zhang Velvet Fabric ?
Proper storage extends the life of Mulberry Silk Velvet:
Light-proof and Dry Environment: prevent oxidation of silk thread and fading of suede.
Use Hanger to Hang and Save: avoid creases crushing fluff.
Avoid Heavy Pressure and Friction: protect the structure of Velvet Warp Silk Weft.
If it must be folded, an acid-free paper interlayer can be used to protect the suede.
How to judge whether it is truly high-quality Zhang Velvet Silk ?
When choosing Authentic Zhang Velvet Fabric, you can judge from the following:
- Velvet density & Velvet height is uniform
- Whether the cut pile pattern line is clear (cutting process accuracy)
- Whether to use 100 % Mulberry Silk (natural luster, delicate touch)
- Handcrafted Quality (Handcrafted Quality)
- From reliable suppliers (such as SilkYue)
It is recommended to request Zhang Velvet Fabric Samples for evaluation.
Looking to buy fabric?
Customization and Innovation
Zhang Velvet Silk Historical Development
| Period | Development & Characteristics | Historical Status & Impact |
| Origins (Ming-Qing) | Originated in Zhangzhou, Fujian. Evolved from earlier techniques into a unique silk velvet weaving craft. | Became a representative luxury silk known for its gorgeous sheen and texture, filling a niche in piled fabrics. |
| Heyday (Qing Dynasty) | Highly favored by the imperial court for exclusive use. Perfected techniques, developing two types: sculpted “carved velvet” (Zhang velvet) and plain velvet. Major production centers expanded to Nanjing and Suzhou. | Reached its artistic and technical peak. Ranked among the most famous brocades. A symbol of power and status, a tribute-grade fabric. |
| Modern Era (c. Late 19th – Early 20th Cent.) | Industry declined sharply due to social unrest, war, and loss of imperial patronage. The complex, costly craft faced extinction as transmission was broken. | Transitioned from imperial use to limited private demand. The craft became endangered. |
| Contemporary Era | Designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage for protective salvage and preservation. Succession remains challenging due to few masters and long training. Exploring innovative applications for survival. | Highly valued as a cultural living fossil and historical carrier. Preservation and development efforts are ongoing. |
Zhang Velvet Silk Craftsmanship
Zhang velvet uses silk as the warp, cotton yarn as the weft, and mulberry silk as the pile loops.
During weaving, a thin iron wire (the rod used for raising the pile) is woven in after every four strands of velvet. When the weave reaches the desired length, a cutter is used to cut along the wire. As the wire is removed from the fabric, the pile is formed.
The pile appears in various forms on the satin surface, depending on the design, creating a clear and lustrous sheen.
Zhang Velvet Silk Varieties
Zhang velvet can be divided into two categories: patterned Zhang velvet and plain Zhang velvet.
Patterned Zhang velvet is characterized by having some of the loops cut into pile in a pattern, with the pile alternating with the loops to create the pattern. Patterned Zhang velvet is available in two types: bright pattern and dark pattern.
Plain Zhang velvet is characterized by a surface entirely of loops, resulting in a simple and elegant look.
Zhang Velvet Silk Cultural Value
In 2007, the velvet weaving technique, submitted by the Nanjing Han and Tang Brocade Art Research Institute, was inscribed on the Jiangsu Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
In June 2008, velvet weaving was also registered as a municipal intangible cultural heritage of Danyang City.
