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 andWilliam M. Spencer III Curator of Asian Art of the BirminghamMuseum of Art, the pieces in the exhibition are drawn from thecollection of Susan Weitzman Conway, a longtime collector oftextiles from the Miao. Her extensive collection contains not onlyeveryday men’s and women’s wear, but also superb festival andceremonial 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.