Flying Apsaras, the most beautiful of the heavenly dancers, can be seen in the paintings at Dunhuang and in these batiks. The lead dancer plays the Pi Pa, an ancient lute-like instrument common in traditional Chinese music. In traditional Buddhist and Hindu belief, the Apsaras are the entertainers for the gods in paradise. Their beauty surpasses that of any mortal and all are proficient in dancing and the arts. They are powerful muses as well as holding power over fortunes particularly in gaming and gambling. Apsaras are said to inhabit clouds and water.
Chinese Batik or "La Ran" is a traditional art form practiced in China's remote southwest. The Miao (also called Hmong in Laos, Thailand and Vietnam) people are particularly well-known for their batiks. The traditional method for producing a batik involves first melting wax and then dipping a needle into the liquid. The needle is then used to sketch a pattern on fabric. Once the pattern hardens the cloth is tie-dyed and the wax resists dying leaving the design clearly visible. Once dyed the wax is boiled away leaving the beautiful wax resist patterns on the fabric. More complicated patterns and color combinations can involve multiple waxing, dying and washing processes.
These small batiks are each 14.5 in by 12.5 in and make an excellent wall hanging and will add accent and distinction to any room.
All of our batiks are hand-made in the city of Anshun, an ancient trading center in China's mountainous Guizhou Province. We are proud to offer this small piece of traditional Chinese heritage to you.
