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Patchwork, Heilongjiang Province
This wall hanging by Jin Yuanshan was inspired by the clothing worn in the ethnic Miao village of Shidong, Guizhou Province.
Photo by Li Yan, courtesy of Jin Yuanshan
Jin Yuanshan leads a hands-on patchwork activity during an exhibition of her work.
Photo by Li Yan, courtesy of Jin Yuanshan
The artist made this quilt for her grandson, writing in a letter to him in 1999: "It took grandma five years to sew the quilt stitch by stitch. There are grandma's dreams, love, and expectations in the stitches. Grandma will always love you."
Photo by Li Yan, courtesy of Jin Yuanshan
“Painters use brush and ink; I use needle and colorful threads. When I create a piece of work, I put my good wishes into it. I always say that my life is in the colorful thread.” —Jin Yuanshan, patchwork artist
Patchwork combines functional and aesthetic dimensions. It is used to cover holes in cloth that has worn thin or to add more layers for warmth. It is also used to create beautiful patterns by sewing patches of either regular or irregular shape. According to legend, patches sewn on the clothing of children bestows happiness and health. A wide variety of items in China—including bags, bedding, cushions, and ornamental items—feature patchwork. More than half of China’s ethnic groups practice some form of patchwork.
FESTIVAL PARTICIPANTS
Originally from Harbin in Heilongjiang Province and ethnic Korean, Jin Yuanshan 金媛善 first learned patchwork/quilting from her mother and grandmother. Her patchwork designs are influenced not only by her Korean heritage but also by the traditional needlework of other ethnic groups she has researched. Her designs have been featured in patchwork exhibitions in Japan, South Korea, and the United States. She has lectured at Tsinghua University’s Academy of Art and Design in Beijing.
From the Festival
Jin Yuanshan adjusts her patchwork displays.
Photo by Hermine Dreyfuss, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Close-up of Jin Yuanshan’s patchwork design.
Photo by Hermine Dreyfuss, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Jin Yuanshan speaks about her work at a Teahouse Commons discussion session. Photo by Francisco Guerra, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Close-up of Jin Yuanshan’s patchwork designs.
Photo by Bea Ugolini, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Jin Yuanshan works on a patchwork design.
Photo by Brian Barger, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Close-up of Jin Yuanshan’s patchwork design.
Photo by Rachel Winslow, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Jin Yuanshan explains her work to Festival visitors.
Photo by Kate Mankowski, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
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