Dong 侗 tea runner

We are delighted to be collaborating with DEYI 德逸, to share the most precious tea runners, handmade and indigo-dyed by the Dong people of Guizhou and Guangxi, China.   Through the various cultural and artistic projects developed by DEYI 德逸, their founders aspire to share Chinese traditional teachings in harmony with Nature to embrace a more conscious, meaningful and sustainable way of living. Since their first journeys to the mountains of Guizhou and Guangxi provinces in the South of China, in Spring 2019, they became aware of the absolute necessity of preserving the disappearing ancestral craftsmanship of the local indigenous communities. Deeply moved by the courage and faith of several women from the Dong 侗 people involved in the preservation of their textile heritage, they gradually developed a cooperative of craftswomen in Guizhou, in Rongjiang county, in the village of Sanbao. About twenty Dong women are involved in this project today, all intimately proud to carry on the tradition of their ancestors. Tea runner story This tea runner is crafted with the unique handmade indigo-dye cotton fabric of the Dong women from DEYI 德逸 workshop. After picking up the cotton in the village fields, the artisans spun the cotton by hand and then dyed the threads with the precious indigo leaves. Then the fabric has been woven by hand on traditional wooden looms. The production requires no energy resources, other than the Water from the river. From the cotton plant, to the preparation of the indigo paste and then to the weaving, the whole process is done in harmony with Nature, thanks to the very fine knowledge that the craftswomen have of their natural environment. This fine knowledge of Mother Nature, the gestures of weaving of an unequalled subtlety, the secret preparation of the indigo paste... all these teachings were transmitted to the craftswomen by the women of their lineages. Thus, for these Dong women who have a deep respect for their ancestors, continuing this traditional craft is a way for them to honor the women of previous generations and thank them for this precious gift. Weaving is part of their soul, not a day goes by without them weaving. One of the artisans of the workshop said with a moving sincerity: « I will weave until my eyes are no longer able to see, weaving is a part of me. Weaving gives rhythm to my days ». The tea runners are 42 x 26 cm, one side is indigo-dyed and the second side is neutral color. About the Indigo plant The preparation of indigo paste is a veritable ritual for Dong women, which takes place around the month of June each year. Indigo is a medicinal plant that grows in the shady forests of their mountains. After harvesting it, they grind it into a paste that is mixed with river water in large wooden containers. The fermentation process that will allow the dyeing of the fabrics is very complex, only the Dong women have the secrets... A whole ecosystem is created within the container, which they always keep a close eye on. These women can always count on their ancestors and the deities of Nature that they honor to keep their precious mixture safe and alive. Each season, they will prepare a ceremony during the preparation of the indigo paste: they will burn incense, make offerings to their ancestors and Mother Nature who offers them this precious indigo plant. It is a very intimate and solemn moment, which reminds us of the tea ritual... When their indigo mixture can no longer be used for dyeing, nothing will be wasted. They will pour the mixture into their fields to fertilize the soil and as a way of gratitude to Mother Earth. « Handmade in China with Love »  DEYI 德逸 founders aspire to revaluate the image of the « Made in China » items by sharing the exquisite craftsmanship and know-hows of Chinese indigenous people. The pieces from this workshop are imbued with the stories and souls of Dong women who live in communion with Nature, from whom we have so much to learn...