Panko: The Soul of Chinese Knots
Intangible Heritage · Every knot, every loop, crafted with heart
Craftsmanship Journey
Four steps to create a traditional Panko
Step 1: Bias Cutting
Bias cutting (斜裁) is the foundation of Panko making. Strips of fabric are cut at a 45° angle to the grain, giving the material the flexibility and drape essential for forming smooth, elegant curves. This precise cut ensures the knot will hold its shape while remaining soft to the touch.
Step 2: Filling
Filling (填充) adds structure and body to the fabric strips. Cotton or silk threads are carefully inserted along the bias-cut edges, creating a firm core that supports the intricate twists and loops. This step transforms soft fabric into a durable, sculptural form ready for coiling.
Step 3: Coiling
Coiling (盘扎) is where the Panko takes shape. The filled strips are wound and looped into traditional motifs—Ruyi, butterfly, or Pipa—each with its own symbolic meaning. Skilled hands guide the fabric through precise folds, creating the characteristic knots that have adorned Chinese garments for centuries.
Step 4: Shaping
Shaping (定型) is the final refinement. The coiled knot is steamed or pressed to set its form permanently. Every curve is adjusted, every loop aligned, until the Panko achieves the perfect balance of tradition and craftsmanship. The result is a piece that carries both heritage and the maker's vision.
Collection
Traditional craft meets modern elegance
DIY Lab
Choose shape and color to create your unique Panko
Choose Shape
Ruyi 如意
Good fortune, wishes fulfilled. A symbol of prosperity and harmony.
吉祥如意、心想事成，象征富贵与和谐。
Butterfly 蝴蝶
Beauty, grace, enduring love. Echoes the elegance of cheongsam.
美丽、优雅与永恒之爱，呼应旗袍的典雅气质。
Pipa 琵琶
Classical refinement, cultural heritage. Inspired by the Pipa instrument.
雅致与文化传承，灵感源自琵琶乐器。
选择形状
Your Masterpiece
你的杰作
Choose Color
选择颜色
Our Story: Five Hearts, One Heritage
— Panko Heritage Team
The Vision
We are a team of five students from UIBE, a hub of global trade and cultural exchange. We believe that Panko—the traditional Chinese button knot—is more than just a fastener; it is a silent language of oriental wisdom and aesthetic beauty.
The Collaboration
To preserve this fading craft, we've partnered with authentic Intangible Cultural Heritage inheritors. Together, we translate the intricate "twists and turns" of the past into a modern fashion statement for the international market.
Our Promise
Every piece you see is handcrafted, carrying the blessings of traditional Chinese culture. By choosing our Panko, you are not just buying a product; you are supporting a community of artisans and keeping a 1,000-year-old heritage alive.
Master Zhang — ICH Inheritor of Panko Art
For over thirty years, she has devoted herself to the ancient craft of Panko. With every stitch and every loop, she weaves together tradition and modernity—transforming silk and thread into timeless pieces that carry the soul of Chinese heritage. Her hands tell stories that words cannot.
Every knot carries the heartbeat of time.
Your Feedback
We welcome your suggestions and collaboration inquiries
Social Impact
Empowering Artisans, Preserving Heritage.
Empowering Artisans
We provide sustainable income for traditional craftswomen in rural China, turning ancient skills into modern livelihoods.
Cultural Revival
By documenting and digitizing Panko patterns, we ensure this 1,000-year-old 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' never fades away.
Conscious Fashion
Each knot is made-to-order from natural silk and cotton, advocating for a 'Slow Fashion' lifestyle that respects our planet.
Your purchase is a vote for heritage.