Painting felt

Painting felt

　　Painting felt is a unique folk handicraft of the Bai people in Jianchuan, mainly produced in areas such as Shanglan, Madeng, and Misha. The crafting process involves an artist using a wooden brush dipped in flour paste to paint on white sheep's felt, which is then boiled and dyed in a large pot containing plant-based pigments such as madder. After cooling, the flour paste is peeled off and the piece is slightly touched up to complete it. The paintings on the felt are simple and elegant, featuring designs such as "a carp leaping over the dragon gate," "a qilin bringing a child," and "a rooster heralding the dawn," as well as stylized Bai folk patterns of flowers, birds, and animals. Painting felt is an essential dowry item for young people in mountainous areas during weddings, symbolizing a prosperous life and good fortune, which is why it is highly cherished.