As a blue and white allover, the blue calico is elaborately made of pure cotton cloth, which is waved manually, through several processes of printing and dyeing techniques. This kind of special handcraft has been popular in the area of the south of Yangtze River since the ancient times, and it is still favored by people until now.
The dye used for printing the blue calico is the indigotin exacted from the bluegrasses, with clear and bright color as well as high environment-protection efficiency. The indigotin can print and dye lucky ornament patterns comprising animals, plants, flowers and birds, such as the phoenixes, peonies, vases, ruyi (as-you-wish). Besides, they also have dramatic characters from the folk stories enjoyed by the common people. These patterns express the common people's dreams and expectation of a beautiful future. The printing and dyeing of the blue calico also adopts an old manual technique, which is very interesting and unique.
The blue calico is usually used to make clothes and various life utility. The various simple and original patterns formed by blue and white colors have a fresh and natural charm and the local flavor of the South of the Yangtze River of China. Due to the simple blue and white designs and colors as well as the old manual manufacturing method, the blue calico is increasingly favored by the modern people.
