Brocade (known as Li Jin) is one of the most ancient and intricate of Chinese textile traditions, dating from the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C. ) of Chinese history. Traditionally made by Li girls from the southernmost region of China as part of their dowry, these splendid red, yellow, black and white skirts, belts, scarves and quilts are woven, dyed and embroidered by hand over several months or even years. Liqiong Huang, a woman farmer from China’s Hainan Island, learned the art of Li Jin from her mother who was a well-known master in the region. Today, Liquiong Huang carries on the tradition through her work in her village, and has been honored throughout China for the quality and design of her Li Jin brocade.