For centuries, Chinese artisans have employed quilting, piecing and appliqué to create and embellish textiles. Often these techniques have been used to produce useful objects, such as clothing and bedding. In the past, sewing was generally a largely practical affair (though often also beautiful), or it was performed by ladies of leisure. Recently, however, Chinese artists and hobbyists — people of all classes and backgrounds — have started to make American-style quilts as a pastime and form of personal expression. Made to be seen on a wall rather than on a bed, the quilts in this exhibition showcase the ways in which quiltmaking is a thriving, growing and changing art form in modern China.