In the Sui Dynasty, the people of Yangzhou would cut colourful paper or silk and satin to celebrate festivals.

The emperor ordered the girl servants to cut fine silk and satin into flowers and leaves and use them to decorate the trees and lakes, copying nicely the looks of spring and summer.

Proudly, the woman flashed me their purple soles and told me of the quilted purple silk satin bags they were sold in. Very interesting indeed.