: The Birmingham Museum of Art will offer an exhibition of Miao
textiles entitled, "Amongst the Clouds: Textiles of the Miao
People from Southwest China," from the collection of Susan
Weitzman Conway, on view June 4 through August 27.
The Miao people, the largest of China's ethnic minorities, trace
their history back 5,000 years to China's Yellow River Valley.
Their early history tells of famine, wars, separations and
migrations. Finally, they settled in seven mountainous provinces
where they lived, until recently, in relative isolation. Spread
among the mist shrouded mountains, the Miao developed a unique
and lively culture over the past 2,000 years.
Their traditions include a distinct and an exceptional love of
embroidered textiles. Their minute stitching in brightly colored
threads and braids are sometimes highlighted with tassels and
silver. The embroidery of each piece tells a story that can be
read by those who know how to interpret them. For example, the
Miao believe they are the descendants of birds and butterflies,
so these frequently appear in their embroideries.
Lady's shoes, circa 1940, Miao people, Song-Tao, Hunan
Province, cotton and vegetable dyes.
Curated by Donald Wood, chief curator and Virginia and
William M. Spencer III Curator of Asian Art of the Birmingham
Museum of Art, the pieces in the exhibition are drawn from the
collection of Susan Weitzman Conway, a longtime collector of
textiles from the Miao. Her extensive collection contains not only
everyday men's and women's wear, but also superb festival and
ceremonial costumes.
The collection also includes delicately embroidered baby carriers
and blankets, festival banners, hats, shoes and a variety of
exquisitely worked silver jewelry. One of the most significant
holdings of such material in the United States, this is the first
exhibition of Conway's collection.
Birmingham Museum of Art is at 2000 8th Avenue North. For
information, 205-254-2566 or www.artsbma.org.
