Uyghur Felt and Textile Printing Techniques

Uyghur weaving and dyeing techniques in Xinjiang have a long history, with felt and printed fabrics being the most representative. Traditionally, Uyghur households meticulously decorate their interiors, and wool felt is one of the traditional crafts used for items such as炕 (kang bedding), floor coverings, prayer mats, and wall hangings. Although less common today, some families still use them.

Felt varieties include pressed, printed, painted, and embroidered types. Patterns number over a hundred, blending Han Chinese influences (e.g., longevity symbols, fretwork, and antiquarian motifs), Arabic-style geometric and floral designs, Uyghur daily tool patterns, Islamic ritual objects like water vessels and shrines, and even ancient Western Region motifs. The vibrant patterns and colors reflect Uyghur life and cultural exchanges, holding significant cultural and artistic value.

Dyeing techniques focus on printed fabrics, including block printing, tie-dyeing, and woodblock stamping, the latter being the oldest and most widespread. These fabrics were used for robe linings, sashes, covers, curtains, door hangings, cushion cases, wall hangings, prayer sheets, and wall/kang borders.

Woodblock stamping involves carving patterns into wooden stamps, dipping them in natural dyes, and printing on handwoven cloth.

This technique reflects life from a millennium ago, serving as a resourcefor studying the evolution of Uyghur cultureand holding significant historical value.