Based in Zhongwei, a historical hub for carpet weaving for over 300 years, Wei Haiming is the guardian of an endangered art form. His studio is recognized as a national demonstration base for "Productive Protection" of cultural heritage. For Wei, weaving is a slow, meditative engineering of wool and tension, where every square inch is a testament to months of focused patience.
The Material: "Soft Gold" from the Tan Sheep
The soul of a Wei Haiming carpet lies in the quality of its raw materials. He exclusively uses the wool of the Ningxia Tan Sheep, a breed world-renowned for its unique properties:
The Quality: The wool features a high luster, exceptionally fine fibers, and a natural elasticity that prevents matting.
The Preparation: Under Wei’s direction, the wool undergoes a rigorous 13-step preparation—including hand-sorting, washing, and traditional dyeing. The result is a carpet with a radiant, jewel-like sheen and a texture that feels like "soft gold" underfoot.
The Technique: The Geometry of the Loom
What distinguishes Ningxia carpets is the complex "Gua Jing Zhi Wei" (Hanging the Warp) method. This ancient technique creates the signature "Herringbone" edge and allows for incredible knot density.
Architectural Precision: Following the "Gelu-style" composition used in classical Chinese architecture, Wei ensures every carpet is a perfect balance of symmetry and centered coordination. It is an art form rooted in the principles of balance and harmony.
The Collections: Icons of the Helan Mountains
1. The Sun God Series
Inspired by the Damaidi Petroglyphs, which date back over 10,000 years, this series features the "Sun God"—the most iconic totem of the ancient nomads.
The Design: Circular faces with radiating lines represent the light of the sun. In ancient times, the Sun God was the ruler of all things; today, Wei Haiming weaves this ancient warmth and divine protection into modern textiles.
2. The Nomadic Series
This series captures the spirit of the tribes who lived along the Yellow River during the Neolithic period.
The Motifs: Masterfully hand-knotted depictions of sheep, horses, and cattle found in ancient rock carvings. These patterns are more than just decoration; they are pictographic records of human history and the eternal connection between man and nature.
A Modern Legacy
Whether it is a 100-line antique-style rug or a contemporary tapestry, every piece from Wei Haiming’s studio is a unique cultural relic. By combining the "bone" of the Tan sheep wool with the "soul" of ancient rock art, Wei ensures that the legacy of the Forbidden City’s favorite carpets finds a place in the modern home.
"We don't just weave carpets; we weave the echoes of the Yellow River into a form you can touch."
