The Scroll Grass motif is widely found in decorative patterns around the world. In this series, Han referenced the scroll grass shapes from embroidery templates (paper cut) of Miao minority* of southwest China used on collars and sleeves, and represented them through batik. She cut out the scroll grass patterns, and traced them on fabric. This batik piece thus captures the language of paper-cutting, with angular lines created by the scissors.
*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.
Scroll Grass #5 by Jiaxi Han
- Technique: beeswax on cotton, indigo dyed
- Size: 45cm x 49cm
- Created in 2024
The work is unique, with a collector's value and an original signature.
