The Dyeing Ladies
At Ninghang Batik, the dyeing ladies (the Miao women responsible for dyeing the fabrics) receive less attention from visitors compared to the painting ladies, yet their work is much more physically demanding and complex
At Ninghang Batik, the dyeing ladies (the Miao women responsible for dyeing the fabrics) receive less attention from visitors compared to the painting ladies, yet their work is much more physically demanding and complex
In this fragment, the three featured dyeing ladies not only handle dyeing and taking care of the dyeing vat, but also remove the wax from the fabrics and wash them, carry the heavy fabrics up to the top floor to dry. They sew during the dyeing process, tie the fabric for tie-dye orders, and break the solidified wax into smaller pieces for reuse.
One time I had lunch with them, and there weren’t enough seats—some people had to eat standing up. One painting lady suggested us younger ones to give up our seats for the dyeing ladies, as everyone was aware how hard the dyeing ladies work.
