Nie Jianrong – Master of Caizha Paper Art in Qilin District, Qujing
曲靖市麒麟区越州镇彩扎艺人 – 聂建荣
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2604.html
Jiang Chongying – Master of Folk Paper-cut in Shaoyang District, Zhaotong
昭通市洒渔乡民间剪纸艺人 – 姜崇英
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2603.html
Yang Lianzhi – Master of Miao Ethnic Costume Making in Weixin County, Zhaotong
威信县双河乡苗族服饰制作艺人 – 杨连芝
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2602.html
Yang Yongzhi – Master of Miao Ethnic Costume Making in Zhenxiong County, Zhaotong
镇雄县乌峰镇苗族服饰制作能手 – 杨永芝
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2601.html
Wang Xiufen – Inheritor of Miao Textile Crafts in Yongshan County, Zhaotong
昭通市永善县苗族纺织技艺传承人 – 王秀芬
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2600.html
Zhu Kaixiu – Master of Miao Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Yiliang County, Zhaotong
彝良县洛泽河镇苗族服饰制作艺人 – 朱开秀
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2599.html
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Li Shaoying (李绍英), born in 1924, is a renowned folk paper-cut artist from Chisuo Village, Yangjie Town, Xundian County (寻甸县羊街镇迟所村), Kunming, Yunnan. Her passion for art began at a young age, and she was deeply influenced by her teacher, Yang Tiancai (杨天才), during her primary school years. It was under his guidance that she first learned the art of paper-cutting and painting, an artistic tradition prevalent in her local community.
Cultural Influence and Craft Development
During Li’s early years, the region was widely known for its rich tradition of embroidery. Women in her community often embroidered intricate patterns onto items like children’s hats, baby carriers, headbands, shoes, curtains, waistbands, and pillows. These embroidered designs were in high demand across society, providing a cultural backdrop that nurtured Li’s interest in the folk arts, including paper-cutting.
Li initially began by creating simple white embroidery patterns and later started helping her family and friends with their paper-cutting projects. By the age of 20, she was already selling her paper-cut works at local markets, which marked the beginning of her long-standing career in this craft.
Mastery of Paper-cutting Artistry
Li Shaoying’s commitment to paper-cutting remained unwavering throughout her life. As she honed her skills, she became known for her detailed and expressive paper-cut designs. These included traditional motifs such as flowers, animals, and symbolic representations of good fortune.
Li’s expertise in the craft has made her a well-respected figure in her community. She has contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of folk paper-cutting in her region. In addition to her own artistic production, she also passed on her knowledge and techniques to her daughter, ensuring the continuity of the tradition for future generations.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Li Shaoying’s paper-cutting works have had a lasting impact on the folk arts of Xundian County and surrounding areas. Her paper-cut designs are not only beautiful but also embody the cultural heritage and artistic traditions of Yunnan. Through her artistry, she has become an important figure in the local folk art community.
Today, her works continue to inspire others, and her legacy lives on through her daughter, who carries forward the art of paper-cutting. Li’s dedication to the craft ensures that this important aspect of Yunnan’s cultural heritage will continue to thrive.
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Ma Laobian (马老扁), born in 1923, is a celebrated folk embroidery artist from the village of Qingzhen Si’er Village, Lao Houjie Sub-district, Siying Town, Songming County (昆明市嵩明县四营乡老猴街办事处清真寺二村), Kunming, Yunnan. A member of the Hui ethnic group (回族), Ma Laobian was introduced to the art of embroidery at a young age by her mother. She began learning the intricate craft of embroidery early in her childhood and has dedicated over sixty years of her life to perfecting it.
Dedication to the Craft and Artistic Evolution
Over the decades, Ma Laobian’s embroidery skills have evolved. Initially, she would purchase ready-made patterns to transfer onto fabric and embroider. However, as she gained more experience, she began designing and drawing her own patterns, allowing her to imbue her work with greater creativity and originality. Her embroidery includes a range of items, such as “flower waistbands” (花围腰), “children’s hats” (小儿帽), “flower-shaped hangings” (花绷绷, used for infants), “flower-patterned shoes” (花草鞋), and “spit bibs” (口水搭).
Her work stands out for its combination of practical use and artistic beauty. Each piece is unique, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of her region. Over her lifetime, Ma Laobian has created thousands of embroidery pieces, earning her a reputation as one of the most prominent embroidery artists in the Songming area.
Artistic Legacy and Passing on Skills
Despite being in her seventies, Ma Laobian remains remarkably active in her embroidery work. She continues to create new pieces, and her sharp mind and keen hearing enable her to work diligently every day. In addition to her own creations, she has passed down her skills to her daughter-in-law and granddaughter, ensuring that the art of embroidery continues in her family.
Ma Laobian’s legacy is one of perseverance and passion for her craft. She has contributed significantly to the preservation of folk embroidery traditions, particularly among the Hui people in Songming County. Her artistry continues to inspire and influence new generations of embroiderers.
Early Life and Craftsmanship
Wang Guiying (王桂英), born in 1931, is a skilled craftswoman from Shangkele Sub-district, Dou’nan Town, Chenggong District (昆明市呈贡县斗南镇上可乐办事处), Kunming, Yunnan. A member of the Han ethnic group (汉族), Wang was introduced to the art of rhombic straw plaiting, or the weaving of “liangjiao” flowers (萎角花), at the young age of 15. This craft is a family tradition passed down through generations, and Wang’s talent in it became quickly evident.
Mastering Rhombic Straw Plaiting
Known for her dexterity and creativity, Wang Guiying became one of the best artisans in her community when it came to making rhombic straw flowers. Her creations stand out for their smooth, well-shaped structure, and the vibrant, glossy colors of the flowers. These meticulously crafted straw flowers have gained immense popularity among local people, who appreciate both their aesthetic appeal and craftsmanship.
Wang Guiying typically produces over 3,000 pieces each year, mostly during the off-season from farming. Her work is not limited to her local area but has reached various cities and counties across Yunnan Province, as well as extending to Sichuan and Guizhou. Her rhombic straw flowers are highly sought after for their quality and beauty.
Innovation and Local Recognition
While Wang Guiying is deeply rooted in traditional techniques, she is also known for her innovative approach to the craft. For instance, she has expanded the use of the rhombic straw flower, typically used for ornamental purposes during the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节), by creating large straw lanterns. These lanterns are not only decorative but also practical, making them a popular item among locals. Her ability to combine both traditional and modern elements in her work sets her apart as one of the few masters of rhombic straw weaving in the region.
Her contributions to the craft have earned her local recognition, and her work continues to be cherished in both her hometown and beyond.
Early Life and Training
Xiao Guoxiang (肖国祥), born in 1927, is a skilled folk clay sculpture artisan from Xiayuanliang Village, Xijie Township, Anning City (昆明市安宁市县街乡下元良村), Kunming, Yunnan. He belongs to the Han ethnic group (汉族). Xiao’s journey in craftsmanship began at the age of 16 when he started learning the art of clay sculpture under the guidance of his uncle. It is said that the skill was passed down from his grandfather, who had learned it from outsiders during the late Qing Dynasty (光绪年间). Xiao is now considered the third generation in his family to carry on this tradition.
Career and Craftsmanship
Xiao Guoxiang’s professional journey spans a variety of roles. After joining the People’s Liberation Army in 1951 and serving in the 4th Division of the artillery corps, he transitioned to civilian life in 1952. Over the years, he held various leadership positions, including serving as the village’s Public Safety Director, Industrial Vice-Director, and the production team leader for 13 years. Despite his administrative duties, he never abandoned his passion for folk arts, particularly clay sculpture, bamboo weaving, and color painting.
His work primarily focuses on creating religious and ritual items used for funerary rites and other religious ceremonies. His clay sculptures include depictions of people of all ages, as well as animals and livestock. Xiao’s art is deeply connected to his local community, as he often produces these items for the villagers’ religious and spiritual needs.
Artistic Influence and Religious Practice
In addition to his skill in creating ritual items, Xiao Guoxiang has also created Buddhist statues and performed color painting for temples. His long-standing devotion to Buddhism, which began years ago, has deeply influenced his artistic focus, particularly in the creation of religious figures.
Xiao Guoxiang’s work has made a significant impact in his community, and he continues to be a respected figure for preserving this traditional art form. His sculptures remain an essential part of religious and cultural practices in Anning and the surrounding areas.
Early Life and Training
Chang Benyin (常本寅), born in 1926, is a master artisan of folk clay sculpture and color painting from Wuhua District (昆明市华山南路), Kunming, Yunnan. He is of Han ethnicity (汉族) and currently resides at 17 Buzhu Lane, South Huashan Road (昆明市华山南路布珠巷17号). His family hails from Hexi Qijie, Tonghai County (通海县河西七街), where they were known for their handicraft production. At the age of four, Chang moved to Kunming with his parents, and the family supported themselves through the production of clay sculptures, color paintings, and paper cutting, all skills that Chang would eventually inherit.
Chang grew up learning these crafts from his father, Chang Xinren (常鑫仁), who was a skilled artisan. By the age of 15, Chang Benyin had already mastered techniques in soil lacquer, color paper-cutting, color painting, and clay sculpture. His formative years were spent alongside his father, who imparted both simple and advanced skills to him.
Mastery and Career Development
After the death of his father at the age of 20, the responsibility for supporting the family fell on Chang Benyin’s shoulders. In 1947, at the age of 21, he was commissioned to restore the Maitreya Buddha and Weituo statues at Songhua Temple (松华寺) in Fumin County. His work received great praise from the temple’s head monk and the local worshippers, marking the beginning of his successful career in religious art restoration.
In the 1980s, Chang was involved in the restoration and color painting of famous scenic spots in Kunming, such as Xishan (西山), Daguan Tower (大观楼), Yuantong Temple (圆通寺), Caoxi Temple (曹溪寺), and Heilongtan (黑龙潭). His contributions to the maintenance and beautification of these important cultural sites helped cement his reputation as a respected artisan in the region.
Recognition and Legacy
Chang’s work garnered attention in the 1980s, and he was featured in reports by the Yunnan Daily and the provincial television station. He was also interviewed by CCTV, which helped further increase his visibility as a prominent artisan in Kunming.
Today, Chang Benyin has passed on his knowledge and techniques to his children and grandchildren, ensuring that the traditions of clay sculpture and color painting will continue for generations to come.
Early Life and Training
Zhang Xiuzhen (张秀珍), a Miao ethnic woman born in 1963, hails from Wolonggang Mountain Village in Tuanjie Township, Xishan District, Kunming. She was born into a family deeply immersed in the traditional arts and crafts of the Miao people, who are known for their intricate and vibrant clothing. From a young age, Zhang was exposed to the cultural significance of Miao costumes, which are central to the identity and social customs of the Miao ethnic group.
At the age of 11, Zhang began learning the traditional skills of weaving, embroidery, and wax dyeing from her mother. These techniques, passed down through generations, form the foundation of Miao ethnic clothing and are integral to their cultural heritage. Her mother’s teaching was instrumental in Zhang’s development as a skilled artisan, allowing her to preserve and advance the traditional Miao costume-making craft.
Mastery of Miao Costume-making
Miao costumes are not only practical attire but also a form of cultural expression. They are characterized by their fine craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and elaborate designs that symbolize the wearer’s ethnic identity, family history, and social status. The making of these garments involves a combination of techniques such as spinning threads, weaving fabrics, flower embroidery, wax dyeing, and sewing.
Zhang Xiuzhen is known for her exceptional skill in Miao costume-making, which includes:
- Weaving: Using traditional methods, Zhang creates intricate fabric patterns using cotton, silk, and other natural fibers.
- Embroidery: Her embroidery skills are exceptional, with the flower patterns on Miao garments symbolizing various aspects of nature, life, and spirituality.
- Wax Dyeing: One of the key techniques in Miao costume-making, wax dyeing involves applying wax patterns onto the fabric before dyeing it. This creates beautiful resistant designs that contrast with the vibrant colors of the dyes.
- Tailoring: Zhang also masters the art of cutting and sewing, creating garments such as blouses, skirts, headdresses, and aprons that are integral to Miao women’s traditional attire.
Her ability to seamlessly blend these techniques and create high-quality garments that reflect the richness and complexity of Miao culture has earned her significant recognition in the field.
Notable Achievements and Recognition
Zhang Xiuzhen’s work has been widely recognized, and she has become a key figure in preserving the traditional Miao textile arts. In 1996, her garments were featured in a folk costume exhibition held at the Yunnan Provincial Museum, which helped introduce Miao costume-making to a broader audience. The exhibition also showcased the unique artistic expression found in Miao clothing and garnered interest from foreign collectors.
Zhang’s work has been displayed in several exhibitions, and her creations have been collected by museums and ethnic collections. Her contributions to preserving and promoting Miao heritage have established her as one of the leading inheritors of this craft.
Cultural Contribution and Legacy
Zhang Xiuzhen’s influence extends beyond her personal artistry; she has been an advocate for preserving the Miao ethnic traditions, particularly in the face of modernization and the threat of cultural erosion. She has passed on her skills to younger generations, ensuring that the craftsmanship and artistry of Miao costume-making continue to thrive.
She has also shared her knowledge with other Miao women, particularly those in the Xishan District and surrounding areas, helping to ensure the survival of this cultural tradition. In this way, Zhang Xiuzhen has not only preserved the Miao costume-making skills but also played a significant role in fostering a sense of cultural pride and identity among the younger members of her community.
Zhang Xiuzhen’s work as an inheritor of Miao ethnic costume-making has made her an important figure in the preservation and promotion of Miao culture. Her dedication to the craft, her skills in weaving, embroidery, and wax dyeing, and her role in mentoring the next generation of artisans ensure that the unique art of Miao costume-making will continue to thrive for generations to come.
Through her efforts, Zhang Xiuzhen has helped to bridge the gap between traditional Miao arts and the broader cultural landscape, enabling the world to appreciate the intricate and vibrant textiles that are at the heart of the Miao people’s identity.
Read more in the original article (in Chinese)
You Might Like
- 16 Days Yunnan (China)-Thailand Overland Tour from Kunming to Bangkok
- 1 Day Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Group Tour from Bendiwan Village to Middle Gorge
- 9 Days Dali-Shaxi-Lijiang Cycling Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
- 7 Days Lijiang Trekking Tour around Wenhai Lake, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
- 20 Days Shangri-La Meili Snow Mountain Pilgrimage Trekking Tour
- 2 Days Dali Wuliang Mountain Cherry Blossoms Valley Tour
- 1 Day Dali Stone Mountain Golf Tour (Mountain Course and Lake Course)
- 5 Days Haba Snow Mountain Circumambulation Hiking Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Adventure (From Dongpo Village)
Nie Jianrong – Master of Caizha Paper Art in Qilin District, Qujing
Nie Jianrong – Master of Caizha Paper Art in Qilin District, Qujing 曲靖市麒麟区越州镇彩扎艺人 – 聂建荣 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2604.html...
Jiang Chongying – Master of Folk Paper-cut in Shaoyang District, Zhaotong
Jiang Chongying – Master of Folk Paper-cut in Shaoyang District, Zhaotong 昭通市洒渔乡民间剪纸艺人 – 姜崇英 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2603.html...
Yang Lianzhi – Master of Miao Ethnic Costume Making in Weixin County, Zhaotong
Yang Lianzhi – Master of Miao Ethnic Costume Making in Weixin County, Zhaotong 威信县双河乡苗族服饰制作艺人 – 杨连芝 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2602.html...
Yang Yongzhi – Master of Miao Ethnic Costume Making in Zhenxiong County, Zhaotong
Yang Yongzhi – Master of Miao Ethnic Costume Making in Zhenxiong County, Zhaotong 镇雄县乌峰镇苗族服饰制作能手 – 杨永芝 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2601.html...
Wang Xiufen – Inheritor of Miao Textile Craft in Yongshan County, Zhaotong
Wang Xiufen – Inheritor of Miao Textile Crafts in Yongshan County, Zhaotong 昭通市永善县苗族纺织技艺传承人 – 王秀芬 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2600.html...
Zhu Kaixiu – Master of Miao Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Yiliang County, Zhaotong
Zhu Kaixiu – Master of Miao Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Yiliang County, Zhaotong 彝良县洛泽河镇苗族服饰制作艺人 – 朱开秀 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2599.html...
Li Shaoying – Inheritor of Folk Paper-cut Artistry in Xundian County, Kunming
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings Li Shaoying (李绍英), born in 1924, is a renowned folk paper-cut artist from Chisuo Village, Yangjie Town, Xundian County (寻甸县羊街镇迟所村), Kunming, Yunnan. Her passion...
Ma Laobian – Artisan of Folk Embroidery in Songming County, Kunming
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings Ma Laobian (马老扁), born in 1923, is a celebrated folk embroidery artist from the village of Qingzhen Si’er Village, Lao Houjie Sub-district, Siying Town,...
Wang Guiying – Craftswoman of Rhombic Straw Plaited Handicrafts in Chengong District, Kunming
Early Life and Craftsmanship Wang Guiying (王桂英), born in 1931, is a skilled craftswoman from Shangkele Sub-district, Dou’nan Town, Chenggong District (昆明市呈贡县斗南镇上可乐办事处), Kunming, Yunnan. A member of the Han...
Xiao Guoxiang – Inheritor of Folk Clay Sculpture Artistry in Anning City, Kunming
Early Life and Training Xiao Guoxiang (肖国祥), born in 1927, is a skilled folk clay sculpture artisan from Xiayuanliang Village, Xijie Township, Anning City (昆明市安宁市县街乡下元良村), Kunming, Yunnan. He belongs...
Chang Benyin – Inheritor of Folk Clay Sculpture Artistry and Color Painting Skill in Wuhua District, Kunming
Early Life and Training Chang Benyin (常本寅), born in 1926, is a master artisan of folk clay sculpture and color painting from Wuhua District (昆明市华山南路), Kunming, Yunnan. He is...
Zhang Xiuzhen – Inheritor of Miao Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Xishan District, Kunming
Early Life and Training Zhang Xiuzhen (张秀珍), a Miao ethnic woman born in 1963, hails from Wolonggang Mountain Village in Tuanjie Township, Xishan District, Kunming. She was born into...
Tips Before Travel
Bring copies of your passport
Don't assume you're restricted to the main hubs of Beijing and Shanghai, our tours can start from any city.
Register with your embassy
For your safety, please register with the Embassy.
Always have local cash
Exchange some local currency for your trip
Our Team
Fenggu Yingshan Tea House and Tea Culture Learning Lijiang
Charlie Lee-General Manager of Yaso Travel and Xilinshan Tea Company
Leon Liu-Network Engineer of Trans Asia Discovery
Vincent Zhao-French Market and the Founder of VoyagesYunnan.com
Gary Elliot-Shareholder of Trans Asia Discovery
Michael Huang-Excellent French and English-speaking Tour Guide in Yunnan
Stephane-Volunteer of Yaso Travel
David Yao-Lijiang Tour Operator of Yunnan Exploration
Cindy Cao-Yunnan Tour Operator
Xilinshan Tea House (Kunming, Yunnan)
Rachel Nan-China Tour Operator
Lydia Li-The Founder of Yunnan Exploration
Anna Chen-Yunnan Tour Operator
Kelly Yu-Yunnan Travel Consultant
Cloudy Fu-Website Editor of Yunnan Exploration
Cuiyuan Yang
Skye Zhang-website editor of Yunnan Exploration
Customize a Trip
Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once enquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.
Latest Articles
Contact Info
