Li brocade stands apart as a "living fossil" — a rare, ancient textile tradition that has remained largely unchanged for over 3,000 years.

Unlike the sophisticated silk looms used for other brocades, Li brocade is made on a waist loom, preserving one of the world's oldest techniques.

"The Li ethnic group has a spoken language but no written script. Patterns of exotic flowers, plants, birds, beasts, the sun, moon and stars, as well as dancing and working figures on Li brocade, are a reflection of their customs, religious beliefs and daily life," says Liu.

"Each piece of Li brocade tells a story — a unique history book of the Li people."