Imprints on cloth by the Miao

Imprints on cloth by the Miao

For eighteen years, we conducted research among the Miao in Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China ("China") from the late twentieth century through the turn of the twenty-first century. Our experiences, observations, and accumulated knowledge have been recorded with the sincere hope that such remarkable traditional crafts continue to be handed down through future generations.

The authors of the book, Sadae and Tomoko Torimaru spent 18 years with the Miao in an effort to understand their culture through the lens of textile traditions. The mother and daughter duo ensured they captured all details with extensive photography. Thanks to them, we now get a rare glimpse into the lives and workmanship of this creative community.

In the book, special Miao techniques like creating metallic sheen and luster on indigo dyed fabrics are explained in depth.  It also includes other tidbits like how to make a ladao, a special knife-like tool for wax resist patterns and a tutorial for the popular shibori butterfly pattern!