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 ?i>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.
?i>Hand
to Hand?features 32 pieces by Gu Wenxia, Grand Master
Embroiderer of China and her protég? 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 ?i>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.
?i>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.
