Batik, hollowed-out printing and tie-dyeing are called the three printing techniques in ancient China.

Batik is popular among Gelao, Yao and Miao ethnic minorities.  Among them Miao batik is the most representative.  Guizhou, as the province with the largest population and the largest residential area of Miao nationality in China, has a long history of batik technology and is very mature. It has formed works of art with unique artistic style and geographical characteristics.  Through the exploration of batik technology and pattern artistry of Guizhou Miao nationality, we can outline vivid pictures of Guizhou Miao nationality culture inheritance.

Perhaps everyone has seen one or more batik works, but how is batik created?  Not everyone can say exactly.

According to the most common production process, batik is to put the embryonic cloth (usually hand-woven cloth) into melted wax liquid, wait for it to cool and solidify, then use wax knife to melt wax to paint flowers, and then use indigo pigment made of natural materials to dye the embryonic cloth after painting flowers, and the embryonic cloth will appear blue flowers on white background or white flowers on blue background.  Simply put, it is through waxing-painting-dyeing-dewaxing-rinsing and other processes to create a variety of patterns, unique works.

The biggest characteristic of batik printing and dyeing process is to use yellow wax as anti-dye agent, which can produce unexpected cracks in the process of dyeing, forming a unique pattern called "ice pattern", its tone is simple and elegant, and its style is simple and generous or coarse or fine texture, which establishes the unique status of batik art.

Natural patterns and symmetrical geometric textures are the two most commonly used patterns in Guizhou Miao traditional batik pictures.

Natural patterns record the real natural world of Miao people's growth, especially animals and plants, which vividly express the beauty around the creator, which is the concrete expression of batik art.

The artistic value of batik is not only the beautiful world she shows, but also the abstract shape of flowers, birds, fish, insects and natural customs symbolizing good luck and beauty in the natural world through the application of geometric patterns, and the long cultural heritage of Miao compatriots is expressed in exaggerated and delicate abstract patterns.

Guizhou batik patterns are exquisite and numerous.  If you have to classify, there are probably five categories:

1. Dragon marks

As a member of the big family of the Chinese nation, like most ethnic groups, Miao people also regard dragon as the totem of life.  A very important pattern in Guizhou batik works is dragon pattern.  Different from the Han nationality's dragon patterns, which emphasize grandeur and dominance, the dragon patterns of Guizhou ethnic minorities show a kind of intimacy with nature and human beings, a harmonious scene integrating all things and the universe.  Miao batik dragon patterns change thousands, ichthyosaur, fishtail dragon, panlong, water dragon, silkworm dragon, leaf dragon, buffalo dragon and so on are popular deformation.  There are silkworms and snake-shaped dragon patterns, abstract and interesting.

2. Cosmic Mountains

The universe is not only the observation of human beings to the distant unknown world, but also the imagination and philosophical thinking of various nations. Mountains and rivers are the natural environment on which human beings live, and also the material world inseparable from life.  Orderly arranged, well-arranged, formal description of the universe stars and natural mountains and rivers is not only awe of nature, but also explore the cultural connotation. Stars and mountains are sometimes records and reviews of national history, especially the nine-winding river patterns.  The pattern, quadrangle, diamond, cross and other elements in the pattern are arranged delicately and perfectly, representing the beautiful world and the process of national migration, expressing nostalgia for hometown and praise for a better life.

3. floral pattern

In Miao culture, flowers and plants have always been widely used auxiliary patterns, not only frequently used in batik, but also widely used patterns in Miao embroidery.  Whether as the theme of a work or as an auxiliary pattern, it is a symbol of blessing and good fortune.  Many geometric patterns are also abstract from flower patterns, fine and beautiful patterns highlight the Miao compatriots 'love for nature.

4. Fish and Bird

Fish and bird can be said to be the most commonly used patterns in Guizhou Miao batik.

The worship of fish reproductive ability makes fish patterns widely used in Miao art works, which is a symbol of many children and grandchildren.  This is also why fish are often used as an essential tribute in sacrifices.  From Guizhou Miao batik works can be seen, usually fish belly is very fat, some fish belly also have similar fish roe spots, even small fish patterns.