Pink Orchid Cross-Stitch

This media is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Open Access page.

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.

View manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Object Details

Artist

Ira Blount

Caption

Pink orchids bloom in a blue pot on this cross-stitch bordered in brown. Invoking the conventions of still-life paintings, a single flower has fallen off the plant in a memento mori. Between the detached blossom and the three still clinging to their stem is the Chinese character for good fortune, “fú”. These details, deftly rendered in an index card-sized space, reflect artist Ira Blount’s (1918-2020) interests in both the natural world and in Asian cultures, while drawing attention to the universality of nature’s fleeting beauty.

After moving to Washington, DC following World War II, Ira Blount mastered dozens of artisanal crafts. His love for crafting, learning, and community engagement would endure over the course of his long life and career.

Cite As

Gift of Ira Blount

Date

c. 1994

Accession Number

2011.0004.0103

Restrictions & Rights

CC0

Type

cross-stitch

Medium

Aida fabric, cotton embroidery floss

Dimensions

5 1/2 × 3 7/8 in. (14 × 9.9 cm)

See more items in

Anacostia Community Museum Collection

Data Source

Anacostia Community Museum

Metadata Usage

CC0

Link to Original Record

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/dl88852e9e8-99a5-4c79-acff-1af1c3a1e304

Record ID

acm_2011.0004.0103