Miao Batik Craft

Miao batik is a traditional dyeing craft formed over thousands of years: a copper double-blade stylus draws patterns in molten wax on white cloth, which is then dyed with indigo; after the wax is removed a striking blue-and-white pattern emerges with motifs from Miao mythology, nature worship and folk life.

The entire process is done by hand; the artisan draws freehand in molten wax without a preliminary sketch, producing intricate and varied patterns; a single finished piece can take days to weeks to complete.

Inscribed in 2006 on the first national ICH list, Miao batik is a jewel of China's traditional dyeing arts and an important carrier of Miao cultural identity and aesthetic spirit.

Batik craft survives in Miao communities around Guiyang; the Provincial Museum and Colorful Guizhou cultural venues display batik works and offer hands-on experience sessions.