Tang Lanying – Inheritor of Yi Embroidery Skill in Jinning District, Kunming
Tang Lanying (唐兰英), born in 1942, is an esteemed Yi ethnic group embroidery master from Dahuangchuan Village, Huangchuan Subdistrict, Shuanghe Township, Jinning District, Kunming. With more than 40 years of dedication to Yi embroidery and her unique integration of painting and embroidery, Tang has become a leading figure in the preservation and development of this traditional craft in Yunnan.
Early Life and Apprenticeship
From a young age, Tang exhibited a deep affinity for art and painting. Her natural talent and keen intellect led her to teach herself to draw, initially focusing on motifs such as flowers, birds, fish, and insects. By her teenage years, Tang’s skills in drawing had significantly advanced, and at the age of 16, she began to experiment with embroidery, blending her passion for painting with her newfound skill in stitching. This fusion of painting and embroidery has since become a hallmark of her work.
Artistic Journey and Craftsmanship
For more than four decades, Tang Lanying has been tirelessly creating embroidered pieces, many of which incorporate her own paintings as templates for her stitches. She is particularly known for her intricate and beautiful Yi-style embroidery, which often includes motifs reflecting the culture, nature, and daily life of the Yi people.
Some of her most renowned creations include:
- Backpacks with embroidered children (背小孩的背被)
- Embroidered waistbands (围腰)
- Square towels (四方巾)
- Embroidered shoes (绣花鞋)
Her works are characterized by vibrant colors and fine needlework, often depicting scenes of nature, life, and Yi traditions. Through these intricate patterns, Tang has contributed to preserving the cultural symbols and traditional craftsmanship of the Yi people.
Legacy and Recognition
Over the years, Tang’s works have spread far and wide, with her embroidery pieces being sold and admired in various places such as Kunming, Yuxi, Wenshan, and even reaching Guizhou and Shandong provinces. She has completed hundreds of embroidered works, each showcasing her deep understanding of Yi cultural themes and her dedication to the craft.
As a committed teacher and mentor, Tang Lanying has passed her skills onto her three daughters-in-law and daughter, as well as several apprentices in her local area and in Chenggong District. Through her teaching, she has ensured that the traditions of Yi embroidery will continue to thrive for generations to come.
Tang Lanying’s contributions to Yi embroidery have made her a significant figure in the cultural heritage of Yunnan. Her ability to blend painting and embroidery sets her work apart and has allowed her to preserve and revitalize a key aspect of Yi culture. Through her artistry and dedication, Tang has not only enriched the lives of those around her but has also contributed to the preservation of traditional crafts that are vital to the identity of the Yi people.
