In this piece, Han draws inspiration from the rich textile and chemical dyeing history of Basel in 18th and 19th century. Basel’s expertise in synthetic dyes grew to influence the global textile industry and paved the way for the foundation of pharmaceutical companies, where the Rhine River played an essential role in transporting materials and supporting industrial processes. Referencing Basel's history, the artist modeled the shape of the dragon after the Rhine River in the city, in the style of traditional Miao* embroidery and paper-cutting. The dragon symbolizes strength and auspicious power, particularly in their control over water in Chinese culture. Han always employs natural indigo dye in her works, which contrasts with Basel's industrial practices of the past. The background incorporates Switzerland’s symbolic Edelweiss pattern, which the artist blends with Miao minority’s visual language through paper-cut designs and batik techniques.
*The Miao people, an ethnic minority primarily located in Southwest China where the artist is from, have a rich tradition of textile culture and craftsmanship, including batik, embroidery, paper-cutting, and silverwork. In Miao batik, patterns are hand-drawn with beeswax as a resist, then dyed with natural indigo. Beyond decoration, the patterns also hold cultural significance, recording history, clan heritage, and totemic beliefs.
Map of Basel #1 by Jiaxi Han
- Technique: beeswax on cotton, indigo dyed
- Size: 74cm x 94cm
- Created in 2024
The work is unique, with a collector's value and an original signature.
