Self-Portrait. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Li Yukun, born in 1947 in Rugao, a county-level city in Nantong, is a national-level practitioner of the intangible cultural heritage of Rugao silk carpet weaving technique.

Silk Road. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The Rugao silk carpet weaving technique is a hand-tufted weaving skill that utilizes real silk as the raw material, with a history dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220). This technique developed a unique craft system in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties (1368-1911), employing pure hand-tied techniques to achieve artistic effects such as color separation and blending. It is renowned for its precise reproduction of paintings.

He has dedicated over 50 years to this ancient craft, reviving and innovating the techniques. His works, such as the silk carpet version of the famous Chinese painting, Thousand Miles of Mountains and Rivers, have gained international acclaim.

Despite the challenges of passing on this intricate skill to younger generations, Li continues to document and preserve the craft through publications, ensuring its legacy for future generations.