Wax Printing in Zhaotong

Wax printing, known as “wax resist dyeing” (蜡缬) in China, is a traditional textile printing and dyeing craft that has been passed down through generations. Along with tie-dyeing (绞缬), hollow printing (灰缬), and夹缬 (夹染), it is one of the four great ancient Chinese printing techniques. In Zhaotong (昭通), particularly in Yongshan (永善) Ma’nan (马楠), the local Miao (苗族) people use the colors blue and white, symbolizing dreams and purity, to depict a simple and sincere way of life. Ma’nan wax printing has earned the nickname “the blue and white porcelain of fabric art” (布艺上的青花瓷), and Ma’nan is also known as the “Wax Printing and Embroidery Town” (蜡染刺绣之乡) of Yunnan Province (云南省).

Ma’nan Miao Wax Printing: The Interwoven Blue and White Ethnic Style

Wax printing, an ancient folk dyeing technique, originated in China and is also known as wax resist dyeing (蜡缬). It is one of the four great ancient printing techniques, alongside tie-dyeing (绞缬), hollow printing (灰缬), and夹缬 (夹染). In the Ma’nan (马楠) village of Yongshan (永善) in Zhaotong (昭通), the Miao (苗族) people use blue and white, symbolizing dreams and purity, to portray their simple way of life. Ma’nan wax printing, with its unique charm, is praised as the “blue and white porcelain of fabric art” (布艺上的青花瓷). Ma’nan village is also famous as the “Wax Printing and Embroidery Town” (蜡染刺绣之乡) of Yunnan Province (云南省) for its exceptional wax printing skills.

Ma’nan Miao Wax Printing: Blue and White as the Foundation of the Ethnic Art

Ma’nan Miao wax printing takes inspiration from the daily life of the Miao people, with blue serving as the base color. The designs mainly focus on animals, plants, and Miao culture, with pleated skirts adding a splash of color. The creation process follows the principles of natural ecology and consists of five steps: weaving, waxing, indigo dyeing, boiling, and washing. Each piece is carefully crafted to represent the beauty of nature and Miao culture.

The Process of Ma’nan Miao Wax Printing

The wax printing patterns can be divided into two main categories: ethnic style and classical auspicious patterns.

• Ethnic style patterns: These patterns depict daily life and human figures, often using “ice patterns” (冰纹) to represent a simple and expressive style with a strong ethnic flair.

• Classical auspicious patterns: These designs consist of elements like the Lusheng dance (芦笙歌舞), auspicious sheep horns (吉祥羊角), and square motifs (四方纹样). These patterns are defined by strict rules regarding their size, number, and arrangement, creating products that are elegant, auspicious, and dignified.

These patterns reflect the local people’s affection for all things in nature, their admiration for the rhythm of life, and their wishes for a happy and prosperous life. The artistic value of Ma’nan Miao wax printing is extremely high, not only as a handicraft but also as a cultural inheritance and emotional expression.

Artistic Value and Cultural Significance

Ma’nan Miao wax printing is more than just a craft; it is an art form that conveys cultural traditions, emotions, and the spiritual connections of the Miao people. The use of natural colors, intricate patterns, and the embodiment of daily life through these prints make them a valuable part of the region’s cultural heritage. The artistry behind Ma’nan wax printing, with its connection to the community’s beliefs and practices, offers a glimpse into the unique worldview of the Miao people.

These pieces not only showcase the beauty of nature but also symbolize the spiritual and cultural identity of the Miao community. The natural blue and white dyes, along with the symbolic representations in the patterns, make these artworks highly treasured both for their cultural meaning and their visual appeal.