The Miao Kings of Tantou 湖南滩头的苗王

Miao Hero, Miao King

Tantou’s single main street, looking south. Gaolamei was signposted down an alley off to the left, Fumeixiang down another off to the right

Yin Dongxiang of Fumeixiang workshop sizing paper with tianying stone wash

Colour printing sequence, with black outline last. Most of Tantou’s prints use the same colours, along with orange

Before and after face printing an eye dotting

Rat Wedding, an extra large version by Fumeixiang. Bribed with food and music, the cat allows the wedding party to proceed uneaten. Meanwhile the rat groom – a top scholar according to banners being carried by his retainers – rides ahead of the bride inside her sedan chair.

Rat Wedding, from Dong He in Vietnam

Zhang Wulang deity statue. Collection of Ronni Pinsler