Exhibition showcases Yi craftsmanship

Anji, 28, is Axi Wuzhimo's niece, and learned the skill of embroidering from her as a child. She displayed her talent during the exhibition by embroidering soma flowers, also known as rhododendron.

Anji also has a Yi ethnic name, Jigu Jijimo — Jigu is the family name and Jijimo means "smart girl" in the Yi language.

"Soma flowers symbolize beauty and courage for the Yi. We have beauty contests in our village and the winners are named 'soma flowers,'" says Anji, who has a full-time job as a kindergarten teacher in Xichang.

"I love embroidering because it's full of imagination. I often visit my aunt and learn new patterns with her. She is very creative," says Anji, adding that Axi Wuzhimo has taught the technique to about 4,000 residents of her hometown, mostly women.

"The women do embroidery when they are not working in the fields. They make extra money for their families and win respect from their husbands," Anji says.