國立故宮博物院 National Palace Museum

Stunning Craftsmanship in Costumes and Accessories

The techniques involved in making the ethnic costumes and accessories of Guizhou 貴州 are numerous and complex. From applying a single technique to mixing several, many diverse patterns can be created, and the results are lustrous and impressive. Be it batik dyeing, fabric embroidery, needle weaving, or silver forging, each ethnic group has developed its own unique specialty. The fineness of embroideries, the exquisiteness of batik textiles, the preciseness of needlework, and the sumptuousness of silver ornaments are all breathtakingly spectacular, attesting to the ingenuity and aesthetic tastes of the various nationalities. While the history and culture of an ethnic group differ from those of the others, the patterns on the costumes may reveal the sentiments, stories, and memories that cannot otherwise be conveyed orally or by written words. A walk through the exhibits in this section may be likened to reading the history of the development of the ethnic nationalities' costumes and accessories from Guizhou.

Gejia batik baby carrier from Kaili

1960-1970

Gejia batik baby carrier from Kaili

a Gejia woman, and indigo dyeing was applied in the production process. In general, images of objects of nature, such as bird, fish, and butterfly, make up the patterns for baby carriers, symbolic of the wish for blessings from Heaven and Earth for the newborn. The balllike floral pattern on the baby carrier is composed of palnts and birds, giving it an interesting and vivid touch.

Miao batik quilt cover from Danzhai

1930-1950

Miao batik quilt cover from Danzhai

Batik dyeing is applied by Miao women of Danzhai in the making of almost every kind of everyday textile with themed patterns of flowers, birds, insects, and fish. This quilt cover features patterns of flowers and long-tailed whydah birds. At the center is a rhombus frame formed by four flowers, around which are four whydah birds. The composition is symmetrical, simple but forceful.

Department of Textiles and Clothing, Fu Jen Catholic University