Ruomada's Story
In the remote mountains of Southwest China, deep along winding mountain paths, lies a land blessed by time. Here, the rain is abundant, vines entwine, and reeds and grasses sway in the wind, silently nourishing for centuries an ancient craft—mangbian (straw weaving).
In the Tang Dynasty, ancestors bowed to the land and drew wisdom from nature. They gathered rattan, reeds, and grasses from the mountains, and with their nimble fingers, wove the first baskets and back-carriers. Simple yet strong, these works bore the weight of rice, fruits, and daily life, becoming silent witnesses of the farming era.
By the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the craft reached new heights. Artisans went beyond utility, weaving beauty into every strand. Delicate patterns emerged, and the forms became diverse—hand baskets, storage boxes, tea sets… Some even became tributes to the imperial court, quietly telling tales of the mountains’ vitality and wisdom within red walls and golden roofs.
Yet as time surged forward, highways and railways bypassed the mountains, and opportunities seemed to favor smoother paths. The land that once shone with its craft gradually fell silent. The elder craftsmen held onto their skills, but watched as mangbian faded into obscurity. Poverty, like tangled vines, ensnared the future of the younger generation.
But we believe that true light never fades.
Today, the internet has finally connected these mountains with the wider world. We are determined to use this power to bring the intangible heritage of mangbian out of the mountains once more. This is not merely a business attempt, but a relay of heritage and poverty alleviation. We have built a platform where the hands of elder craftsmen can be seen, and where each unique piece can find someone who truly appreciates it.
What you choose at this moment is not just a finely crafted piece, but a weighty support. It will be transformed into the smiles of craftsmen, better education for village children, and a sustainable future for an ancient community. You help us believe that the warmth of tradition can transcend time, and that the spirit of craftsmanship will never be alone.
Thank you, for weaving this new story with us.