Wotuo (swirl pattern) Batik Pillowcase

Miao batik or la ran (蜡染), from Guizhou, China, is a wax-resist dyeing technique that has been around since the Qin and Han dynasties. Although this craft has been added to the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list, it remained largely a local tradition and incorporates many traditional motifs to this day - for example, the swirl or "wotuo" pattern in Miao dialect, is used to commemorate their ancestors.

The pillowcase on display incorporates this "wotuo" pattern and is carefully hand-painted and hand-dyed. The pattern is drawn onto the fabric with melted beeswax which acts as a dye resist during the natural indigo dyeing process.