Dao Shuming – Master of Dai Wall Painting in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna 

Personal Profile

Name: Dao Shuming
Ethnicity: Dai
Date of Birth: May 1934
Hometown: Jinglong (景龙), Menghai County (勐海县), Yunnan Province

Artistic Training

Dao Shuming began school at the age of 9 but only attended for two years. At 11, following Dai customs, he entered a Buddhist temple as a novice monk, where he learned the old Dai script. During his time in the temple, he taught himself painting and carving, displaying remarkable artistic talent. At 20, he was promoted to the rank of second-level monk (二佛爷), and at 25, he left monastic life. In October 1958, he was recruited by the county cultural center to engage in public art initiatives.

Artistic Achievements

Mural Creations

Dao Shuming’s murals hold significant artistic value. In 1996, he created a mural depicting the Dai folktale Yuxiangdala (玉香达拉) at Jinglong Temple (景龙佛寺), spanning 60 meters in length and 2 meters in width—the largest temple mural in Menghai County (勐海县). His works are characterized by vibrant colors, intricate compositions, and rich subject matter, showcasing Dai customs and Buddhist narratives.

Clay Sculptures

Dao Shuming also excelled in clay carving and sculpture. He crafted over 100 Buddha statues for various villages, with his most notable work being the Buddha statue at Jinglong Temple (景龙佛寺). Additionally, he sculpted 25 stupas, including the renowned Shuibai Pagoda (水白塔) in Menghai (勐海).

Paper-Cutting Art

His paper-cut artworks, often featuring peacocks, elephants, and deer, were primarily used to adorn temple walls and pillars, embodying strong ethnic cultural elements.

Legacy and Influence

Beyond his personal artistic accomplishments, Dao Shuming actively mentored the next generation of artists. He trained four apprentices—Yan Wenban (岩温班), Yan Xie (岩些), Yan Zaiying (岩宰应), and Yan Wenjiao (岩温叫)—all of whom became skilled in traditional clay sculpture. Revered by the Dai people, he was honored with the titles Sala Pajao (撒腊帕召) and Sala Ta (撒腊塔), meaning “Master of Buddha Statues and Stupas.”

Honors and Titles

In September 1986, he received a 25-year service certificate from the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture. On June 23, 1999, he was named a National Folk Senior Artisan by the same institution. His works frequently won awards at provincial, prefectural, and county exhibitions.

Through his dedication, Dao Shuming not only preserved and propagated Dai mural art but also revitalized it in contemporary society.

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