Nantong-made blue calico cloth is showcased at the Osaka Expo 2025 in Japan. [Photo/WeChat account: ntwgx6]

The blue calico cloth from Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province has captured global attention at the Osaka Expo 2025 in Japan, highlighting traditional Chinese culture.

As an outstanding representative of traditional Chinese hand-printing and dyeing techniques, Nantong blue calico cloth originated in the Tang and Song dynasties (618-1279).

Renowned for its entirely manual printing and dyeing process, simple yet elegant patterns, and the striking beauty of blue and white harmony, the cloth has gained worldwide fame. Its unique production process involves using natural indigo dye, which undergoes complex procedures such as manual engraving, scraping, dyeing, bleaching, and drying.

The designs feature blue and white colors, encompassing a variety of themes including flowers, animals, and auspicious patterns, with a simple, fresh style that blends practicality with artistry.

At the World Expo, a visitor from the United States said, "It's amazing to see blue calico cloth up close for the first time! This ancient craft embodies the wisdom and creativity of the Chinese people. I hope to have more opportunities to learn about traditional Chinese culture in the future."

The history of exchanges between Nantong and Japan is long-standing. Nantong was once a stopover for the monk Jianzhen's journey to Japan and was also the city where industrialist Zhang Jian (1853-1926) introduced education and industry from Japan.

Currently, an international air route has been opened between Nantong and Osaka. This connection allows Nantong's blue calico cloth to reach further and brings Japan's cherry blossoms into the Jianghai region, injecting vitality into both regions' cultural and tourism industries.