Breathing new life into brushwork

Orders have flown in for his creations over the years. [Photo provided to China Daily]

An art form deeply rooted in Miao culture and tradition, Miao painting is known for its intricate natural motifs like peonies and lotuses, as well as auspicious symbols like phoenixes, dragons and fish. These are complemented by geometric designs, which are classified into five distinct forms: refined motifs, clustered patterns, horned designs, bordered embellishments and squared compositions.

These abstract yet evocative geometric patterns are a visual language, encoding the triumphs and tribulations of Miao history while preserving the essence of their cultural reverence, Liang explains.

"The most demanding part is the detail — mimicking the intricate stitches of Miao embroidery with a brush," he says, adding that he spent five years just mastering his brush strokes.

Holding his tool like a needle, he carefully traces lines that give the painting its textured, embroidered appearance.

"It's a painstaking process, but one that brings the artwork to life, blurring the line between painting and textile art," he says.

Miao painting is derived from Miao embroidery patterns dating back to the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), but has evolved into a distinct art form of its own, thanks to efforts by Liang's family.

Embroidery was an important form of adornment for Miao women, with designs that graced everything from clothing and quilts to curtains, door hangings and wall decorations.

It is an indispensable item at weddings, childbirth celebrations, and even the construction of new homes, and many artisans made a living just by sketching patterns for embroiderers.

But as the older generation of craftsmen passed away, the art teetered on the edge of extinction.