The Yao, are a non Chinese minority people, who first migrated many centuries ago to the southern Chinese provinces such as Yunnan, most probably from the Yangtze basin. It is believed that some then began to move onwards and migrate to North Vietnam, Laos and Thailand at some time in the 13th century. About 9 or 10 centuries ago they became Taoist, and adherence to this religion has helped them to survive as a small but sophisticated society, with strong traditions, customs and culture but no country to call their own. The paintings below are all from a the largest of two Yao sub groups the Mien.

Yao ceremonial paintings, Mien Fang are Taoist scrolls. They are used in various ceremonies, during which they are hung on the walls of makeshift chapels at the priests house, or exhibited outdoors in lesser numbers for certain rituals. They are similar to Chinese traditional Taoist paintings used by the Taoist school to which the Yao belong.

A complete set of Mien paintings consist of 17 pictures, each containing specific deities. The full set of 17 paintings is usually accompanied by four smaller paintings and a long paper 'bridge' used for transporting souls and called the dragon bridge (see below). Also a paper crown representing the Three Pure ones (see below). When the paintings are not displayed for ceremonial use they are rolled inside a piece of red or white cloth and stored inside a special cylindrical rattan basket next to the house alter.

Strict rules were adhered to in order to make these 'Mien Fang'. After a painter was chosen a price would have been agreed and a small chamber built next to the main house, the walls covered with white cotton and after a small ceremony the painter would start, the work may take one month to complete. Upon completion four rituals were required before the priest can use the paintings on behalf of other people. The first is called 'opening the eyes' was intended to let the gods enter the new paintings through the eyes. In order to do this an old set of paintings would be hung in the chapel and the new set hug over the top, enabling the gods to enter the new paintings. Each painting would have had its use in a specific ceremony weather it be for exorcism, ancestral worship, healing purposes or funeral rights, each ceremony or ritual would have hinged around a specific painting or group of paintings.




A RARE & COMPLETE SET OF 17 MIEN TAOIST PAINTINGS
19th Century
Code: 0607 - Price: POA

Complete set of 17 Mien Yao Taoist paintings, paper, wood (bamboo) strip top and bottom, string and coloured pigments. This set of paintings is completely original with no repairs or restoration. The painting is of a high quality. The pictures are all in excellent condition, with no tears to the paper other than very minor abrasions around the edges, no insect or water damage. Each painting has an inscription on the back, three examples are shown below after the 17 paintings.
Measurements, each: 43.25" (110cm) tall x 17.25" (44cm) wide.



A RARE 'TO SAI' PAPER CROWN
Mid 20th Century
Code: 0609 - Price: POA

A nice example of a To Sai paper crown as used by a number of Mien groups. These crowns are painted at the same time as the main set of 17 paintings, but due to wear and tear they are often replaced by newer ones by a different painter. This paper crown did not form part of the above set of 17 paintings. The painting is of a simpler style to the other pieces and of a later date. The crown is in a condition to be expected of this type, some tearing and loss to sections although the three main figures are in good condition, no insect or water damage.
Measurements: 7.1" (18cm) wide x 6.1" (15.5cm) tall, as pictured below.




TWO RARE MIAN PAPER MASKS 'TSIEN TAO'
19th Century
Code: 0610 - Price: POA

Two rare 19th century paper masks, originally would of been part of a set of 4 or 5, we believe these two masks are from the same set by the same artist. Although the faces are clearly visible, in fact relatively well preserved the overall condition is not as good, the surrounding edges are torn, no insect or water damage. The two paintings are of a high quality. These masks would have been worn on the priests forehead supported by wooden bamboo strips on either side and held in place with string. They would have been worn whenever the priest needed to impersonate a particular deity for the ritual at hand. They have both been placed on white card. These paper masks did not form part of the above set of 17 paintings
Measurements; Left Painting: 8.7" (22.5cm) wide x 9.5" (24cm) tall.
Measurements; Rirht Painting: 7.25" (18.5cm) wide x 8.7" (22cm) tall.

A RARE DRAGON BRIDGE SCROLL PAINTING
19th Century
Code: 0608 - SOLD

The dragon bridge, a long paper scroll, used in ceremonies in order to communicate with the other world, across the bridge. Painted with a multitude of figures. In this painting the priest and other acolytes are shown welcoming the soul while the full array of the religious administration is shown in attendance. This scroll is not from the above set of 17 paintings. The painting is of a good quality although not to the high standard of the above 17 painting, evidence in its self to support the fact that it is not from the above set and was painted by a different artist. The scroll in excellent condition, with no tears to the paper other than very minor abrasions around the edges, no insect or water damage.
Measurements: 109" (277cm) long x 7.7" (19.8cm) wide
Reference: The Yao, Jess G Pourret, River Books.
Peoples of the Golden Triangle, P & E Lewis, Thames and Hudson.
Yao Ceremonial Paintings, Jacques Lemoine.
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