Orchid Cross-Stitch

Ira Blount · c. 1994

A white and pink orchid grows out of a celadon bowl in this cross-stitch by artist Ira Blount (1918-2020). A smaller brown bowl holds a single orchid blossom. Next to the floral composition, bold calligraphy echoes the black rocks in the larger bowl. The Chinese characters hé and an, meaning “with peace,” encourage viewers to consider global influences on the Washington, DC artist’s work. A green leaf and orchid petals break the symmetry of a window-like brown border surrounded by lighter brown bamboo leaves.