Art appreciation as a tool for cultural revival: a case study of Miao Batik in Rongjiang

This thesis investigates the visual features, motif classification, and design structure of Rongjiang Miao batik through the application of art appreciation theory, formalist art theory, and iconology. The Miao people, one of China’s oldest ethnic groups, have cultivated a sophisticated dyeing and weaving tradition, shaped by centuries of migration and adaptation. Rongjiang Miao batik embodies this cultural heritage through its intricate motifs and unique artistic expressions. In recent decades, however, modern industrialization, cultural assimilation, and the spread of mass-produced imitations have caused a sharp decline in traditional batik practices. The loss of handmade techniques and the erosion of authentic cultural forms have weakened both the transmission of intangible heritage and the sense of ethnic identity among younger generations.To address these challenges and document this endangered tradition, the study employs a qualitative methodology, combining field observation, in-depth interviews with artisans and community members in key Rongjiang villages, and a comprehensive literature review. The collected data are systematically coded and analyzed using NVivo software. The analytical frameworks include Panofsky’s three-level iconology, formalist principles focusing on structure and rhythm, and art appreciation theory, which emphasizes cultural meaning and viewer experience.The findings demonstrate that Rongjiang batik features a rich visual language, integrating geometric, animal, and plant motifs into symmetrical, stylized, and symbolically charged compositions. These patterns reflect the collective memory, cosmological beliefs, and aesthetic values of the Miao people, providing deep insights into their cultural worldview and historical identity. This study contributes to academic discourse by filling gaps in Miao batik research and offering an interdisciplinary analytical model. Practically, it supports the preservation and revitalization of traditional crafts and serves as a reference for innovation in folk art and cultural industries.