Riyadh, November 26, 2025, SPA -- In the Chinese pavilion at the third edition of the Saudi International Handcrafts Week (Banan), organized by the Heritage Commission, Wu Jianmei sat with a calmness that reflected long experience. Without raising her voice, she filled the space with her presence as she worked with a fine needle that seemed almost a natural extension of her fingers, as if she had been born with a thread that revives heritage each time it passes through her hands. Jianmei’s participation was not simply an artistic appearance as part of the Guest of Honor delegation; it was a live encounter between an ancient culture spanning thousands of years and the curiosity of Saudi visitors, who shared a genuine desire to learn what lies behind each piece on display. What she presented was not merely an exhibit, but heritage and history. Jianmei is ranked among the most distinguished bearers of the embroidery art known in China as “Xiang embroidery,” one of the most refined forms of traditional Chinese handicraft. For forty-seven years, she has devoted herself to this art, until her name became synonymous with it both inside China and abroad. Her works are housed in major museums such as the Imperial Palace in Beijing and the National Museum of China, and she has participated in international exhibitions from Paris to Rome, representing a culture that chose the needle as its tool and patience as its philosophy. As the Guest of Honor at the third edition of Banan, China sought to ensure its participation matched the event’s stature and spirit. With her skill and precision, Jianmei has embodied that presence in its finest form.
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