Chinese and foreign experts gathered in Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu Province, on Thursday to discuss ways to preserve the famous Chinese brocade Nanjing Yunjin.

Yunjin, brocade made on a wooden loom, was used to make emperors' and empresses' robes. It served the imperial house for more than 700 years.

Edmond Moukala, programme specialist for culture from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Beijing Office, was one of those who attended the two-day International Symposium on Yunjin Protection, which opened yesterday.

He said Yunjin is a superb example of artistry and skill, blending both innovation and tradition.

"Once developed for imperial families from the Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, today this rare jewel factors even the most modern technology into enhancing intricate details," he said.

Moukala said the brocade should become a dynamic and interactive medium for future generations to ensure it is preserved.

For example, Yunjin is now becoming part of modern garment design.

"The garment mixes the Eastern simple and elegant style with the Western free and romantic style. It blends modern trends with traditions and imbues traditions with new meanings," said Cao Jianning from Nanjing Institute of Art.

Moukala also emphasized the importance of publicizing the need to protect Yunjin .

"Museums and educational programmes must reward the artisan, while fostering the public's interest and understanding," he said.

Moukala said the sharing of art and knowledge is vital to culture and must be supported by strong government initiatives.

Xu Huiling, vice-mayor of Nanjing, said a Yunjin museum, the first of its kind in the country, would be built in the city soon.

Xu pointed out the training of professionals is a key step in protecting Yunjin.

"Long-term programmes for both protection and development of Yunjin should be worked out by the government. This will allow us to promote training, as well as artistic and technological innovation, in a planned way," she said.

(China Daily October 10, 2003)