ANN/CHINA DAILY – Zhang Shuangmin’s artistic process is anything but ordinary. As she drips pigment onto a container of water, the vibrant hues quickly spread into swirling circles. With an awl, she gently manipulates the pigments, creating intricate patterns that evolve into stunning floral designs.
The true magic happens when she lowers a white porcelain plate into the water and lifts it, revealing the transferred pattern—a spectacle that never fails to impress her audience.
This method, known as tangliucai (Tang flowing colours), is a traditional Chinese art form that Zhang, 53, has mastered over three decades. Originating from Xi’an, Shaanxi province, Zhang’s dedication to tangliucai reflects her deep connection to the art and its historical roots. Named an intangible cultural heritage in Xi’an in 2020, tangliucai combines precision with creativity, demanding meticulous planning and execution.
“I need to design the pattern in advance,” Zhang explains. “The choice of colours and the medium—whether it’s a fan, porcelain plate, silk, or leather—determines the final outcome.”
Zhang’s fascination with the craft began in her childhood, inspired by her grandmother’s dyeing techniques. This early exposure led her to study design and environmental art in the 1990s, where she realised her grandmother’s methods were linked to an ancient water-printing technique.
Historical texts, such as Youyang Zazu by Tang Dynasty writer Duan Chengshi and Four Treasures of a Scholar’s Study by Song Dynasty scholar Su Yijian, document similar methods of applying colours to paper and fabric, albeit with less precision than modern tangliucai.
Despite its historical significance, Zhang lamented that the art form was nearly lost. However, she discovered its revival in other cultures, such as Turkey’s Ebru, a form of marbling art recognised by UNESCO.
This global connection motivated her to revive and adapt the technique, particularly for use on handmade Xuan paper, a prized medium in Chinese art.
Creating tangliucai is a demanding process. The artist must carefully balance the colour combinations, pigment quantities, and the painting liquid’s consistency. Zhang has refined her own sizing solution, a gelatinous mixture derived from her grandmother’s recipe.
The viscosity of this solution is crucial; too thick and the pigments won’t spread, too thin and they will either sink or spread uncontrollably. The entire painting process must be completed within 20 minutes to ensure a flawless transfer.
“Maintaining a bubble-free transfer is essential,” Zhang notes. “Any air bubbles can ruin the piece instantly.”
Even after years of experience, Zhang remains cautious with each new creation. “Success or failure can happen in an instant,” she says. Her work often features traditional Chinese motifs, including floral patterns and cultural symbols.
In recent years, she has expanded her art to decorative items for friends’ businesses, which have been well-received by guests.
Zhang’s commitment to the craft extends beyond her own work. As a recognised inheritor of tangliucai, she actively promotes the art form through educational initiatives.
She collaborates with local schools, offering workshops and learning tours that introduce students to the art. Her recent year-long training with primary school pupils in Xi’an has been particularly rewarding.
“Students are enthusiastic and committed,” Zhang says. “I teach them not only the techniques but also encourage them to experiment and innovate.”
Zhang’s influence has also reached various social and commercial sectors. She has been invited to showcase her work at community events and corporate functions, where her art serves as a unique form of engagement and team-building.
Among her disciples is Li Xinyu, 23, who began learning from Zhang in 2019. “The beauty and complexity of the process captivated me,” Li recalls.
She has since mastered the basics and continues to refine her skills. “Tangliucai has become a form of art therapy for me,” she adds. “It brings peace and teaches patience.”
Zhang’s efforts to popularise tangliucai have led to a range of products, including ceramics, scarves, tote bags, shoes, and hats, all featuring her distinctive water-printing designs.
“I love the vibrant colours of tangliucai, but what brings me the most joy is seeing my students’ smiles when they complete their paintings,” Zhang says.
Through her dedication, Zhang Shuangmin not only preserves an ancient art form but also inspires a new generation of artists, ensuring that tangliucai continues to flourish and captivate audiences with its unique beauty.
