At the Erjia Cao Yuxing Dyeing Workshop in Tongzhou district, Nantong, blue calico artisans have been creating a series of original products by combining traditional craftsmanship and modern design philosophies.

A blue calico horse crafted by the Erjia Cao Yuxing Dyeing Workshop. [Photo/WeChat account: wxtzfb]

Preserving Nantong blue calico printing and dyeing technique, a national-level intangible cultural heritage item, entails not only passing down ancestral skills but also adapting them for modern daily life, as noted by Jiang Rong, the workshop's fifth-generation inheritor.

Building on traditional techniques, the workshop used an innovative double-sided printing technique. Moving beyond a single-color scheme, it expanded to over 20 shades of blue. Additionally, it incorporated high-quality materials such as cotton, linen, and silk and designed exclusive, copyrighted patterns.

As the Jiangsu Football City League gained popularity in 2025, the workshop created mugwort hammers decorated with wolf motifs symbolizing Team Nantong. With the Year of the Horse approaching, it launched the Lucky Horse series, including gradient scarves, desktop decors, and cultural accessories.

The workshop has also forged partnerships with colleges. With Jiangsu College of Engineering and Technology, it offers training in textile printing and dyeing. With Nantong College of Science and Technology, it unveiled an ICH digital innovation platform.

This traditional craft has now dazzled at major cultural and trade expos like the China International Copyright Expo and the China International Import Expo, enhancing its cultural appeal among global audiences.