Yu La – Inheritor of Dai Embroidery Skill In Mengyang Town of Jinghong, XishuangBanna
Yu La(玉腊), born in 1959, is a Dai embroidery artisan from Manmowo Village (曼么卧村), Mengyang Town (勐养镇), Jinghong City (景洪市), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州). She began learning embroidery from her mother, Yu Ye (玉叶), at the age of 10 and became skilled enough to independently craft traditional Dai (傣雅) attire by 13. With over 30 years of experience, Yu La has mastered the intricate techniques of Dai (傣雅) embroidery, producing works renowned for their precision, standardized patterns, tight stitching, and exquisite craftsmanship. Her creations are highly cherished by the local community.
As a cultural representative of her ethnic group, Yu La has both inherited and passed down her craft, earning widespread recognition. She has been featured in interviews by China Central Television (CCTV).
Characteristics of Yu La’s Embroidery
Exquisite Handicraft
Yu La’s embroidery is distinguished by its meticulous craftsmanship. Each stitch is uniform, and the lines flow naturally, showcasing her exceptional skill. The patterns are clear and refined, free from any imperfections, reflecting her dedication to perfection.
Standardized Patterns
Her embroidery adheres to traditional Dai (傣雅) designs, featuring well-composed layouts and harmonious arrangements. Common motifs include elephants, peacocks, flowers, trees, Buddhist temples (缅寺), human figures, and geometric patterns. These designs are not only visually striking but also embody the Dai people’s reverence for nature and their aspirations for a prosperous life.
Symbolic Meanings of Dai Embroidery
Nature Worship and Harmonious Coexistence
Depictions of Natural Elements
Dai embroidery frequently incorporates motifs from nature, such as elephants, peacocks, flowers, and trees. These patterns reflect the Dai people’s deep respect for the natural world and their philosophy of living in harmony with it. For instance, the peacock symbolizes beauty and nobility, while the elephant represents strength and wisdom.
Fusion of Colors and Nature
The vibrant color palette of Dai embroidery often pairs hues of equal intensity, such as red with black or white with green. This bold yet harmonious use of color demonstrates the Dai people’s keen observation of nature and their unique aesthetic sensibility.
Aspirations for a Prosperous Life
Love and Marriage
From the age of 13 or 14, Dai girls begin learning embroidery to create elaborate bridal attire by the time they marry at 18 or 19. These garments, often adorned with symbols like “Two Phoenixes Competing for Treasure”, signify blessings of wealth and good fortune.
Harvest and Abundance
Patterns such as Fruits of the Four Seasons symbolize bountiful harvests and flourishing descendants, expressing the Dai people’s hopes for prosperity and continuity.
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