Shu Brocade (蜀锦) is known as one of the Four Great Brocades of China, along with Song Brocade from Suzhou, Yun Brocade from Nanjing and Zhuang Brocade from Guangxi.
The 71. earliest record of Shu Brocade dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period. By the Warring States Period, it had become an important export 72. product. After China was unified in the Qin Dynasty, Shu Brocade gradually 73. won nationwide fame. During the Han Dynasty, Shu Brocade got so popular 74. that almost every nobleman (贵族) owned a suit made from it. The central government even appointed (任命) a special officer in Chengdu 75. to manage the brocade industry. That is 76. why Chengdu is also known as the "City of Brocade".
The Tang Dynasty 77. marked the golden age of Shu Brocade. It showed the highest level of ancient Chinese handcrafted silk. Known 78. for its rich appearance, bright colors and beautiful patterns with auspicious (吉祥的) meanings, it was not only a treasure of royals and nobles but also an important trade item along the Silk Road connecting the East and the West.
Today, Shu Brocade is widely used for both ornamental (装饰性的) and practical 79. purposes, like clothing, quilts, screens and women's shoes. It has also become a key part of 80. traditional ornaments for women in ethnic groups of southwestern China.