|
Tie-dyeing is a traditional and unique handmade dyeing technique among the folks in our country and also an important intangible cultural heritage of our nation. In ancient times, it was called “Jiao Xie”, “Cuo Xie”, or “Cuo Yun Xie”, and among the folks, it is commonly known as “Ge Da Ran” (knot dyeing). It mainly uses white cotton cloth or white cotton-linen blended cloth as the raw material. Through tools such as yarn, thread, and rope, the fabric undergoes various combinations like tying, sewing, binding, attaching, and clamping, and then is dyed. During the dyeing process, the tied parts prevent the dye from penetrating or have a low degree of penetration, forming patterns with different shades and rich layers, thus creating a unique visual effect.
Historical Origin of Tie-dyeing The history of tie-dyeing can be traced back to the Qin and Han dynasties. At that time, people had already started using simple tying methods to create unique patterns on fabrics. However, the tie-dyeing technique was still in its embryonic stage during this period. By the Eastern Jin dynasty, the tie-dyeing technology had basically matured. From the existing earliest printed silk with tie-dye patterns from the Western Liang period of the Eastern Jin dynasty, it can be seen that the tie-dye products at that time had made remarkable progress in both pattern design and dyeing process.
The Tang dynasty was the heyday of the development of tie-dyeing. Tie-dye products were widely popular in the imperial court and among the folks. The tying methods became increasingly diverse, and the types of dyes were more varied, capable of dyeing fabrics with brilliant colors and exquisite patterns. The tie-dyeing art of this period also spread to neighboring countries such as Japan, having a profound impact on the local dyeing and weaving crafts.
During the Song dynasty, due to the prohibitions of the ruling class, the development of tie-dyeing was somewhat restricted, and its influence gradually declined. However, in some ethnic minority regions and remote areas, the tie-dyeing technique was inherited and continued. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the handmade tie-dyeing technique reached a relatively high level. Dyeing guilds were established one after another. The large-scale import of Western chemical dyes in the late Qing dynasty provided new opportunities for the development of tie-dyeing.
Tie-dyeing After the reform and opening up, the art of tie-dyeing ushered in new development opportunities. In 2006 and 2008, the Bai ethnic group's tie-dyeing technique in Dali, Yunnan, and the Zigong tie-dyeing technique in Sichuan were successively included in the national intangible cultural heritage list, marking that the traditional tie-dyeing technique has received recognition and protection at the national level.
Artistic Characteristics of Tie-dyeing 1. Rich and Diverse Patterns: The patterns of tie-dyeing have unique artistic charm. Due to the randomness of tying and the uncertainty of dye penetration, each tie-dye work is unique. Common patterns include butterflies, plum blossoms, auspicious clouds, etc. These patterns are not only beautiful but also contain rich cultural implications.
2. Natural and Soft Colors: Natural plant dyes endow tie-dye works with natural and soft colors, such as indigo in the blue series, gardenia green in the green series, etc. These colors blend with each other on the fabric, forming gradient and晕染 (gradual dyeing) effects, giving people a sense of simplicity and elegance.
3. Unique Textures: The folds and uneven textures formed during the tying process give tie-dye works a three-dimensional sense and layering. Under the irradiation of light, these textures will produce different light and shadow effects, further enhancing the artistic expressiveness of the works.
4. Wide Applications: In modern society, the art of tie-dyeing not only maintains its traditional charm but also combines with elements such as fashion and technology, showing a diversified development trend. In the fashion field, tie-dye elements are widely used in the design of clothing, accessories, etc. Many internationally renowned brands have launched tie-dye series products, which are loved by consumers. In terms of home decoration, tie-dyed curtains, throw pillows, tablecloths, etc., add a unique artistic atmosphere to the home environment.
Production Process of Tie-dyeing The production process of tie-dyeing is mainly divided into five steps.
1. Binding: Lift the white fabric from the middle and tie it with a rubber band; according to personal preference, for example, use items like popsicle sticks, table tennis balls, marbles, coins, etc., to create different binding methods.
Production Step 1
2. Soaking: Soak the bound white fabric in warm water for 2 to 4 hours, so that it can be colored more easily.
Production Step 2 3. Making Dye: Pour the dye packet into water, stir evenly, then pour in the color-fixing agent and continue stirring until bubbles appear. Let it stand for one day for later use.
Production Step 3
4. Dyeing: Immerse the bound fabric into the dye basin for dyeing. It should be noted that it must be fully soaked.
Production Step 4 5. Unfolding: After drying, you can use a stretcher to stretch the fabric, and then the production is completed.
Production Completed Final Summary Tie-dyeing, this ancient traditional handmade technique of intangible cultural heritage, carries the weight of history and the wisdom of our ancestors, shining brightly in the long river of time. From its embryonic stage in the Qin and Han dynasties to its ups and downs in the Tang and Song dynasties, and then to its innovative integration in modern times, it has always presented itself to us with unique charm.
If you also want to personally experience the fun of DIY intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, you might as well come to Zhengyu Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum. Here, you can not only listen to the historical culture and stories about intangible cultural heritage but also personally experience the production of intangible cultural heritage traditional handmade DIY. Here, every personal creation is a dialogue with ancient civilizations, and every work carries the warmth that spans time and space. We look forward to having this intangible cultural heritage appointment with you! |
