The renowned painting, The Drunken Beauty, remains popular among celebrities inside and outside of China. Celebrities, including Sharon Stone, Celine Dion and Chinese folk singer Song Zuying, have all collected the embroidery version of the painting.

Politicians and merchants in China and abroad also appreciate the painting. A 50-centimeter by 60-centimeter embroidery was auctioned earlier this month in Hong Kong for HK$128,000 (US$16,440).

The painting had also been closely connected with Buddhism. In the Exhibition of Chinese Quintessential Paintings unveiled in Taiwan in February, high dignitary monks from three famous temples on the island were each presented with embroidery of The Drunken Beauty as a gift.

The monks showed deep appreciation for the embroidery artwork as a mix of time-honored Chinese tradition craft and Chinese culture.

They said the beauty of art embodied by the embroidery of The Drunken Beauty suits both refined and popular tastes.

(China Daily June 18, 2010)