Only
Display of this Exhibit Outside China
ATLANTA,
GA. The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and
Museum will present a stunning display of Chinese
embroidery beginning February 19, 2005. The
exhibit, entitled 'Hand to Hand: Two Grand Masters
of Suzhou Embroidery' features the works of two of
China’s most celebrated artisans and the Carter
Presidential Library is the only venue outside
China to host the works.
Hand
to Hand features 32 pieces by Gu Wenxia, Grand
Master Embroiderer of China and her protégé? Yu
Fuzhen, Grand Master Embroiderer of Jiangsu
Province. Grand Master Gu, as the chief designer
and president of the Suzhou Embroidery Research
Institute, developed the design for the
world-famous 'Kitten Playing with Mantis'. The
design has become the most popular official gift
from China to American Presidents. The “Kitten
embroidery is on permanent exhibit at the Carter
Presidential Library and Museum. Other variations
of the design can be found at the Richard Nixon
Library and Birthplace and the George H.W. Bush
Presidential Library.
This
collection of unforgettable embroideries will
include colorful landscapes, animals, portraits
and flowers.
Suzhou
embroidery originated in a region of China known
for centuries for its high quality silk
production. The use of embroidery to decorate
garments goes back over 2,000 years. During the
Ming Dynasty, Suzhou became a thriving center for
silk industries and handicrafts. Paintings were
reproduced by embroiderers. Their works were so
detailed and striking that they were referred to
as “paintings by needle.?In the years that
followed, Suzhou embroidery developed a style of
its own.
Suzhou
embroidery is now known for its refinement,
elegance and beauty. Double-sided embroideries are
examples of the skill and craftsmanship of the
Suzhou artisans.
'Hand
to Hand: Two Grand Masters of Suzhou Embroidery'
will be on display at the Carter Presidential
Library and Museum from February 19, 2005 through
June 11, 2005. There is no additional charge to
see this exhibit. Admission to the President
Museum is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (60 and
over), military and students with ID. Those 16
years old and under are free.
The
Carter Presidential Library and Museum is open
Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until
4:45
p.m. and on Sunday from noon until 4:45 p.m.