Dai Zongyi – Inheritor of Wool Tapestry Printing and Dyeing in Luanquan County, Kunming 

Background and Early Life

Dai Zongyi (代宗义), born in 1942, hails from Dai Jia Village (代家村) in Changmaidi Administrative Area (长麦地办事处), Jiaoxi Township (皎西乡), Luquan County (禄劝县), Kunming (昆明). He is a renowned inheritor of the ancient art of dyeing wool tapestry, a skill passed down through his family for generations. The craft dates back to the late Qing Dynasty (清朝), and Dai is now the fourth-generation practitioner.

Mastery of Wool Tapestry Dyeing

Dai began learning the craft at the age of 13 and has practiced it continuously throughout his life. Wool tapestry, known locally for its durability and moisture-resistant properties, is a highly valued material for various practical uses. To enhance its aesthetic appeal, the technique of dyeing the wool tapestry was developed, turning the plain fabric into colorful, decorative pieces.

Dai’s family has relied on this skill for their livelihood, and under Dai Zongyi’s leadership, the dyeing technique has reached new heights of excellence. Through years of practice, Dai has mastered the intricate steps involved in the dyeing process, becoming a highly skilled artisan. His dyed wool tapestry is not only widely used locally but also in demand in regions such as the Big and Small Liangshan (大小凉山) in Sichuan, Yuanmou (元谋), Wuding (武定), Chuxiong (楚雄), Shuangbai (双柏), and even Xinjiang.

Legacy and Continued Tradition

Dai Zongyi has passed down his knowledge to his third son, and now all three of his sons are able to independently dye wool tapestry. Through his dedication, the craft continues to thrive, ensuring that this unique cultural heritage is preserved and adapted to meet modern demands.

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