Exploratory study of the origin of the ancient Ikat dyeing technique and its spread in China

摘要

The topic of this paper is the result of desk research about Malaysian and Chinese Ikat dyeing and weaving techniques, which rank amongst the three major ancient resist-dyeing techniques. Based on factual accounts of excavated, historic fabrics and historical literature, the paper explores the association between the spreading of Ikat dyeing and weaving techniques and Indian Buddhism, thus elucidating the origins of Ikat. With reference to ancient textile cultural exchanges, the paper also analyzes the manner in which Ikat techniques were spread via land and sea along the Silk Route and its historical succession in Xinjiang and Hainan of China.