ICH Stories
Special Heritage Project | PANDAPRANK X PEAK "YUN DYEING"
PandaPrank's first visit to Dali, Yunnan, led to a deep dive into the history and craftsmanship of traditional tie-dye techniques, where we met Lan Xu. In Yunnan, we discovered the unique, vivid, and dynamic beauty of tie-dye, which goes beyond industrial standards. In Zhou Cheng, we witnessed a village that retains its distinct individuality—a place that, while part of the modern world, remains an unknown frontier of industrial civilization. A special edition tie-dye sneaker, "Cangshan Snowfall," brings PandaPrank closer to Yunnan. To preserve the heritage of ancient villages, PandaPrank initiated a three-year "Isatis Root Planting Project," acquiring a plot of land in Zhou Cheng dedicated to growing Isatis roots. Using the 24 solar terms as markers, we document the changes at the planting site, observing the cycle of nature through the seasons. Tie-dye, an ancient handcraft, transcends changing aesthetics, always revealing a sense of purity and timeless beauty. Traditionally, dyes were sourced from plants found in nature. A seed, from soil to sunlight and rain, grows into lush, mature leaves. When held close, one can inhale the natural scent imbued with the essence of time. A piece of plain fabric undergoes twisting and tying, before being soaked in a dye vat—this meticulous process creates elegant, hand-dyed textiles that dry under the clear sky. Every step of the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, with weather, vitality, and human effort all playing crucial roles. These complex handicrafts symbolize the spirit of craftsmanship from a bygone era and are all the more precious today. “Cangshan's nineteen peaks, each with its own stream; Dali’s three thousand households, each with a loom, and every home has a dye vat.” Located 23 kilometers north of Dali Old Town, there lies a village nestled at the foot of the Yunlong Peaks, surrounded by the vast Erhai Lake to the east, Cangshan Mountain to the west, and the Butterfly Spring to the north. Tie-dyeing is a skill many locals possess. As time passes, the essence of this place remains unchanged—its Bai ethnic architecture, with its unique designs like "One Lane, One Ear," "One Lane, Two Ears," "Three Lanes, One Wall," and "Four Courtyards, Five Skylights," is preserved in its entirety. Along with this, the traditional Isatis root tie-dye craftsmanship remains intact. The Bai people live harmoniously with nature, deeply nurturing their love for plants, and are willing to spend seasons, even years, to make a single indigo dye bloom. Does slowing down inevitably mean falling behind? PandaPrank’s answer is, "Slowing down is a form of progress." Though the ancient craft of tie-dyeing has retreated into the background, a few artisans still stand at the crossroads of time’s changes, keeping the tradition alive. We are committed to preserving the intangible heritage of these villages, helping small sparks of light merge into an eternal flame. Since 2023, our journey of over 1,000 kilometers has led us into a bond with tie-dyeing that has lasted more than 700 days. Embracing the indigo that connects us to nature, we continue to explore sneaker reinterpretation with greater steadiness and depth. In this fast-paced world, we choose the slowest route, waiting for 500 days, marked by countless farming cycles, to carry out this project. It may seem "clumsy," requiring several times the effort, but this is the path PandaPrank has chosen with utmost conviction—to explore, experience, and create in the slowest way possible. This is our opportunity for true creation. Partnering with Peak for the second time is PandaPrank's tribute to Zhou Cheng, and Zhou Cheng’s second gift to PandaPrank, as we continue to amplify Eastern stories and introduce the indigo hue of Yunnan skies to the world. This collaboration marks a renewed effort to promote the beauty of intangible heritage through art in sneakers. While tending to the land, the brand also nurtures the heart. This plot of Isatis root farmland is a reflection of the land in the hearts of many—a place where we plant what we believe in. Whether it's peaches, plums, or spring breezes, it doesn’t matter as long as we remove the weeds and patiently tend to it, knowing that harvest will come in due time. The three-year "Isatis Root Planting Project" has already passed two years. Along the way, we've encountered countless difficulties, joys, and gratitude. Perhaps this path will lead us further, perhaps it will turn into six years, and maybe we can do even more. PandaPrank will always stay true to the values it believes in. In an era that glorifies speed, the luxury of slowing down, not resisting time, and not worrying about being niche is a gift. We do it for what’s worth doing and for not wasting the generosity of nature. We don't question when we’ll return or how far we’ll go. PandaPrank’s natural mission has never wavered—its exploration and help make the brand more grounded and confident. PANDAPRANK teams up again with Peak, a renowned domestic sports brand, to launch the Tie-Dye Limited Edition Sneakers: "YUN DYEING" Indigo Yun dyeing—A fusion of nature and craft The "YUN DYEING" sneakers are crafted using Isatis roots grown in PandaPrank's own planting field. The indigo dye is applied to the upper fabric of the classic Peak sneakers. PandaPrank’s unique design language integrates the relaxed feel of the original sneaker with a contemporary, fashionable visual, reflecting the natural beauty of plant-based dyes. "Handmade Tie-Dye, Asymmetrical Beauty" PandaPrank respects the beauty and tradition of heritage craftsmanship. Each sneaker features hand-dyed fabric by artisans from Zhou Cheng Village, using Isatis root dye. The fabric undergoes repeated dyeing, resulting in a unique, hand-dyed finish that forms the heart of each pair of shoes. "Natural Forces, Seasonal Beauty" The sneaker’s heel features embroidery representing the 24 solar terms, symbolizing the deep fusion of nature and humanity. The ancient practice of solar terms connects time and existence, influencing our sense of time and life’s cycles. PandaPrank planted the seeds in early summer and harvested the results in the autumn equinox. This respect for time is embedded into the sneaker, enriching it with cultural depth. "Creative Vision, Reimagined Sneakers" With a focus on the duality of city and nature, PandaPrank embarked on designing a sneaker that embodies both. By blending natural softness and wild energy, traditional elements and modern environments, "YUN DYEING" emerged as a product that bridges the past and future.
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The Beauty of Intangible Cultural Heritage: Bonsai Limited Edition | Pine Shadows
Venture into the forest, ascend the mountains, Narrate stories through landscapes. Bonsai is an artistic fusion of rigidity and softness; both mood and artistic conception are indispensable. Each element in the composition—trees, stones, pots, stands—carries significant meaning. Bonsai represents the reshaping of life. While people may easily fade into dust, a craft or intangible cultural heritage can endure through generations of dedicated practice. Bonsai is the collision of antiquity and natural beauty, a concentrated sculpture of nature, and an art nourished by time. Lingnan bonsai remains vibrant due to its adherence to tradition and its resonance with contemporary times. "The essence of Lingnan bonsai is the concentration of all landscapes into one pot. Trees and stones are individual entities that coexist in unity, symbolizing the evolution of life. Placing a bonsai nearby, lighting incense, sipping tea, preparing brush and ink, and sketching the images in one’s mind allow inspiration to burst forth among the trees and stones, initiating a creation of natural art. Lush vitality, changing seasons, filled with spring light, elegantly passed down. For over sixty years, one has cultivated a realm of mountains and waters. Wearing a Tai Chi white shirt and black cloth shoes, with a calm expression, spirited and humble demeanor—that was our first impression of Master Li Weizhao. When discussing bonsai, he speaks eloquently, covering aspects of cultivation, trimming, and decoration. During this visit, we learned that Master Li Weizhao grows bonsai on his rooftop terrace, nurturing over two hundred small and medium bonsai in a space of several dozen square meters. His understanding of bonsai goes beyond its aesthetic value; it enriches his life experience. "Bonsai is not just about visual appreciation. Through cultivation and viewing, one can explore the spirit of nature and foster a broad love for the world," he said. Gazing through wooden windows, shadows of bamboo swaying, Examining the courtyard, bonsai growing. Reflection through objects; focusing on the self. Bonsai, to achieve the vision of trees in the mind, requires broadening one's perspective to express artistic conception within limited space. Over time, the aura and style between trees and stones depict the profound inner expanses of the human spirit. Bonsai can reflect one’s mind. The re-creation of sneakers also expresses the designer's aesthetic taste for "reinvention." Observing through objects, the final destination of the work is the viewer's inner self. This collaboration between PandaPrank and intangible cultural heritage inheritor of Lingnan bonsai art, Li Weizhao, dialogues on the inheritance and innovation of bonsai techniques. It harnesses the brand's power to present the reflection through objects, embedding the art of bonsai into daily life. With a shared love for Eastern aesthetics and intangible cultural heritage, PandaPrank seeks to find intriguing connections between different materials. Through accumulation, layering, and combination, they record handmade traces and incorporate cross-boundary artworks with trendy contexts. A piece of craftsmanship, a moment of creativity, one person's story, a meeting of many. Serenity in the forest, within reach, Ride the waves between mountains and waters, letting the spirit soar. Breaking through the mist, passing through trees, leaping into a serene forest corner. Feet on gravel, listening to birdsong, seeking the breath of nature with a keen stance. Sneakers placed on a stone table brew the undercurrents of landscapes. The flowing lines of the shoe body, surging aura, and subtle balance draw attention to the dual scenery in front of you. The "Pine Shadows" limited edition of intangible cultural heritage series features gray and pale green as main colors, using elements like gravel, mist, and plants to recreate the appearance of bonsai. Wooden shoelace buckles engraved with "Spring Arrival," "Vigorous," "Interest," and "Green Peak" enhance the atmosphere of an ancient courtyard with suede decorations and rock texture prints on the shoe body. The original shoes are from Louis Vuitton’s Trainer collection. This century-old luxury brand, with its rich legendary charm and elegant design, serves as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures due to its inclusive and compatible brand culture. LV acts as a cultural ambassador in promoting traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage, providing a broader platform. The classic embossed LV logo on the back of the shoe merges bonsai aesthetics with a playful exterior design, ensuring comfort and beauty while encapsulating the bonsai experience in the shoebox for the wearer. Lingnan Bonsai, Like opening a window to glimpse its wonders. Connecting objects to infuse bonsai art into sneakers, expanding the interpretation of daily life, Seeking a personal universe, depicting the era’s appearance. PandaPrank, rooted in Eastern soil, sees another possibility.
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The Beauty of Intangible Cultural Heritage - Bangdian Exclusive | Seeking the Profound Moon and Rainbow
The rainbow is a dream of the clouds, and the Bangdian are the poetry of humankind. The Tibetan people carefully weave the gentleness of the snowy plateau into the rainbow at their waists. These rainbows act as mirrors for all living things on the archipelago, restoring the poetic essence of the earth. The ultramarine chases the sun, moon, and stars atop the mountains, while the golden hues dive into the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The vasong green is sculpted by the mountains, rivers, and forests, while the rosy blush of peach blossoms graces the cheeks of the Tibetan people. The Tibetan people do not pluck the rainbow, they wish for it to forever hang high in the sky. They know that staying somewhat unfamiliar allows for numerous romantic imaginations to thrive as ideals. The mountains connect with the city. The solitude and silence contrast with the hustle and bustle of prosperity. We stand before the Potala Palace. Also amidst the mountains. During the perfect afternoon sunlight. The sunlight spills onto the stone pillars of Barkhor Street. The surrounding tourists are in constant streams. The Tibetan grandma sits quietly in a row, serene and calm. Surrounded by rainbows woven from wool. As if wrapping people in tranquil gentleness. The forever captivating sight is always the regular visitor, Bangdian. Bangdian stitches together a delightful hue. It seems to slow down time. Blending memories with the forests, skies, and lakes of Shannan. In every bowl of porridge and every meal. Among every flower and blade of grass. Beauty thrives here. The most beautiful is simply natural. Once thought to be decorated with artistic ornaments. To turn art into scenery. But eventually found Taken from nature. Everything on one's body is a work of art. Aesthetic of the Tibetan plateau. Like colors in water. Stretching along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Blossoming upon encountering water. The aesthetic intensity of this land is exceptionally high. Art exists not only between artists and nobility. It originates more from the most mundane and vivid aspects of life. Embedded within refined works of art. More permeates the residents of the Tibetan plateau. In the ordinary days of sunrise and sunset. The Bangdian A thin piece of felt. Yet it contains the warmth of skill and craftsmanship. Similar to a pair of sneakers. I want to integrate the intangible cultural heritage and beauty of Bangdian Together, placed within the sneakers. The Bangdian The ingenuity behind every thread and stitch. In Chapter 110 of "Dream of the Red Chamber," it is mentioned that during the confiscation of Ningguo Mansion, thirty rolls of pulu were found among the belongings. According to the measurement method used in the southern region of Tibet, this roughly equates to six hundred meters. This indicates that during the early Qing Dynasty, pulu was not only reserved for the emperor's treasury but also possessed by the nobility and aristocrats. It wasn't until I arrived in Lhasa that I realized "Bangdian" referred to here. I believe the author of the book, who experienced a prosperous youth, must have been accustomed to seeing exquisite things, and thus, must have had an in-depth understanding of fabrics. "However, nowadays I'm afraid many Tibetan people don't have much memory of Bangdian." When we arrived at the home of Gari and his daughter Danzeng Zhuoga, representatives of the national-level intangible cultural heritage of Tibetan Bangdian and carpet weaving techniques, we discovered the marvelous complexity of the Bangdian loom. Every magnificent rainbow seemed to emerge right before our eyes. Behind this beauty lay raw diligence. Weaving is an endlessly repetitive task, with the loom consisting of four rotating wheels and four sets of yarns. The foot pedals need to move in opposite directions, alternating between left and right. In ancient times, there was a saying that when novices learned to weave, one foot wore pulu boots, and the other foot wore leather boots. The experienced craftsmen would shout instructions to lift the pulu boot or lift the leather boot, enabling the shuttle to move smoothly back and forth. Each step follows a set of rules, with countless hours of refinement. It is the accumulation of these meticulous steps that weave together each piece of Bangdian. The weaving process is intricate and time-consuming, requiring patience and meticulous craftsmanship. The townsfolk clean the pre-cut wool and workers spin it into yarn. Before spinning, the wool must be thoroughly combed with a brush to ensure smoothness. The initial raw material is high-quality wool, which undergoes processes like carding, spinning, machine weaving, pattern weaving, coloring, repeated dyeing, rubbing, and drying. After cutting and sewing, three long strips of pulu are sewn together to form a piece of Bangdian. The final process of singeing the wool gives it a dense and revitalized appearance, as if imbued with new life. Most of the Bangdian workers in Jedeshow Town don't rely on rulers. Instead, they trim a flexible ruler to the required width for each weaving session and provide it to the workers as a reference for width. For the craftsmen, the weaving process of Bangdian becomes their own journey of warp and weft. PandaPrank wishes to preserve not only the beauty of Bangdian but also the memories of generations of Bangdian craftsmen. Seeking the Profound Moon and Rainbow-Seeing it, you'll be reminded of a mountain range, or perhaps a rainbow. The original shoes selected are Louis Vuitton's Trainer, representing the luxury brand with over a century of history. With its rich legendary colors and elegant designs, LV inherits the priceless treasure of Chinese traditional intangible cultural heritage. The collision and fusion of Eastern and Western cultures encourage more young people to cherish and participate in preservation and inheritance. The shoe tongue features PandaPrank's iconic bamboo pattern, crafted from naturally dyed ink bamboo. The bamboo pattern is intricately woven, with varying depths and shades, reminiscent of bamboo swaying in the evening breeze or moonlight shining through the bamboo leaves at night. On both sides, the Bangdian craftsmanship from Jedeshow Town in Shannan, Tibet is employed. Without elaborate flowers and grass, one can still feel the mysterious natural aura. It embodies the inclusiveness and richness of the mountains, the rain under a clear sky, and the beauty of sunset clouds and rainbows against the mountain backdrop. The heels conceal Himalayan white crystals, unique energy stones of Tibet, resembling highland jasmine. Like a breath at the top wheel of the world, they exude an aura. Above, they are hazy like snowflakes, below, they gleam like clear skies. The slender shoelaces are replaced with thick traditional braided knots, adorned with Oriental sacred jade—turquoise. "Coral for the morning sun, turquoise for the evening moon" - resembling pine cones, their color close to pine green, they were decorations used by Qing Dynasty emperors in moon ceremonies. By employing classic deconstructive thinking, achieving craftsmanship equal to that of LV, the sneakers resonate with contemporary street culture's diverse aesthetic. The rainbow in the sky is bright and warm. "Seeking the Profound Moon and Rainbow" doesn't concern itself with the complexity of craftsmanship; it only aims to present you with a moonbow amidst the intense night. Behind traditional craftsmanship lie countless artisans, embodying the essence of this heritage. And it is the day after day dedication of these craftsmen that inspire PandaPrank's creative process. We hope that more people will come to understand and pay attention to these almost forgotten traditional cultures. This would be the most meaningful thing for PandaPrank.
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Intangible Cultural Heritage · Oriental Aesthetics | Limited Edition Floral Paper Series "Enchanting Blossoms"
Upon arriving in Danzhai, Guiyang, the weather was unusually hot and humid. After driving through the forest for a while, we finally met Wang Xingwu, a nationally recognized inheritor of the traditional handmade paper-making technique at the Shiqiao Chuandong Paper Mill. He greeted us warmly while still busy at work, explaining that he was in the process of selecting materials, with a voice so penetrating it felt like an impromptu lecture. Mr. Wang told us that the Shiqiao Chuandong Paper Mill primarily produces "ancient book restoration paper," as the water quality in the cave meets the pH standards required for restoring ancient books, making it a unique natural resource. Floral paper originates from China's oldest handmade paper-making method, embodying both a profound cultural heritage and a clear, natural charm, vividly conveying a rhythm of life. Unlike the smooth and clean modern printing paper, the process of making floral paper is complex and meticulous. Each sheet retains the natural imprints, with the paper pulp blending into the clarity of the mountain spring water, and the fibers naturally forming textures, presenting everything in its most authentic form. Taking advantage of a clear day's sunlight, one can see through the base color of the paper, bridging the shores of time, imprinting a new spring. Floral paper is the epitome of the collision between flowers, plants, and paper. By incorporating flowers and plants into the paper pulp, it touches the essence of ancient and modern cultures, finding oneself within the confines of the paper. In fact, Mr. Wang has been committed to traditional paper-making for forty years, pioneering various types of paper used in different scenarios. In 2009, he was recognized as a representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage project for handmade paper-making. He has been featured in numerous interviews and documentaries on intangible cultural heritage, contributing significantly to the promotion of traditional paper-making. Previously, the rise of modern paper factories had threatened the survival of traditional paper-making, causing local artisans to lose motivation and seek work elsewhere. Only Wang Xingwu chose to stay, believing that traditional paper-making would eventually find its market. He explained, "It seems accidental, but it’s inevitable. I remember that online literature began to emerge during that period. Thus, in the age of digital reading, traditional paper-making has become even more precious." Influenced by him, many artisans set aside their worries and joined the traditional paper-making cooperative he established. This was undoubtedly a revival of traditional paper-making. Together, they developed hundreds of types of paper for various uses, innovating while preserving tradition, and staying in step with the times. Today, Shiqiao Village's paper is not only used for sealing Moutai liquor but also designated for the restoration of artifacts and ancient books by the National Library and the National Museum. In recent years, traditional paper from Shiqiao has gained international acclaim, with products exported to countries like the UK, France, the USA, and Australia, truly going global and gaining a new lease on life. This time, PandaPrank has partnered with Wang Xingwu, a national representative inheritor of the handmade paper-making technique, to discuss the inheritance and innovation of the floral paper technique. They aim to gather strength, seek the essence of self, and bring the art of intangible cultural heritage floral paper into everyday life. Floral paper embodies not just millennia-old paper-making techniques but also an age-old attitude towards life—sincere and calm. In paper-making, every step must be done to "perfection," gathering the dynamic energy contained in each fiber and releasing it at the right moment to present the best result. Floral paper is like this, as is the creative redesign of sneakers. Designers also strive for "perfection" in their designs, channeling the inner strength into unique plant textures on the paper.
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