Breathing new life into brushwork

Miao painting tradition being given a makeover to enable its survival in the modern world, Yang Feiyue reports.

In a quiet corner of Qianzhou ancient town, nestled in the mountains of Hunan province, 61-year-old Liang Desong often sits at his wooden desk for up to 10 hours a day.

It's demanding for a man of his age, but he says he doesn't feel the time, as he immerses himself in Miao painting, an ethnic art form he has practiced for decades.

Surrounded by the tools of his craft, from fine-tipped brushes and a palette of vibrant paints, to bolts of dark black and indigo fabric, he outlines his design before applying base colors, layering on additional hues, and then adding the fine details.

The flow of tourism to the town in Jishou in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture has sent visitors to his workshop to appreciate the ancient art.

"I'm working on some big customized pieces that run more than 1 meter long and 80 centimeters wide for clients," Liang says.