CHINESE EMPRESSES by Xiang Li
June 14 – August 24
Experience the inspiring work of internationally acclaimed artist Xiang Li in a captivating exhibition celebrating historical empresses of China. Exhibiting for the first time in full, this impressive collection features over 200 empresses intricately hand-painted on silk using traditional Chinese watercolor techniques. Informed by decades of research, study, and practice, Xiang Li’s portrayals of each empress incorporate elements of nature, in particular floral forms, conveying the rich sense of symbolism woven into traditional Chinese culture and honoring the unsung women who shaped dynasties.
Chinese Empresses will be on display in the Milton and Fern Galleries in the Visitors Center. While the exhibition is on view, visitors can enjoy a number of exciting learning opportunities and engaging programs to further enrich the experience of Xiang Li’s artwork. The Garden Shop will also be featuring a new exhibition book by Xiang Li and co-author Fei Wu, as well as a variety of products that feature the beautiful and empowering images from the Chinese Empresses exhibition.
Artist Bio
Xiang Li is an internationally acclaimed artist specializing in reproducing and restoring ancient Chinese paintings at the Forbidden City of Beijing, China, where she worked as a Master Artist for 37 years. Li’s most recent collection, Chinese Empresses, features over 200 empresses painted with gemstone watercolors on silk and has been showcased at museums across Massachusetts including the Harvard Museums, Worcester Art Museum, Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC), Cambridge Library, and more.
Artist Statement
Xiang Li: The Chinese Empresses Collection at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
My lifelong journey as an artist began within the storied walls of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, where I dedicated over 37 years as a professional artist specializing in the meticulous art of painting, restoration, and cultural preservation. Immersed from a young age in the ancient techniques passed down through generations, I developed a profound respect for Chinese history, traditions, and artistry. This journey culminated in the creation of The Chinese Empresses Collection, a series that honors powerful yet often overlooked women who profoundly influenced China’s rich heritage.
Flowers symbolize resilience, beauty, and deep cultural significance in China—qualities vividly reflected in the lives and legacies of these empresses. Each portrait intertwines floral motifs directly tied to the narratives of the empresses, highlighting their strength, grace, and complexity. As visitors explore New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, the historical figures I’ve painted are complemented by blossoms, blending both Chinese, native US and global floral species, creating a visual bridge between distant past and present.
Presenting my collection amongst the tranquil, flourishing surroundings of the Garden carries a particular resonance. It embodies my vision of art as a powerful medium for community and universal connection. I invite visitors to be inspired by the stories of these extraordinary women, to recognize their own strength reflected in these narratives, and to experience a sense of shared humanity. Together, amid blooming gardens and historic portraits, we celebrate enduring resilience and timeless beauty.
SPEAKER SERIES: AUGUST
Behind the Canvas: Xiang Li in Conversation | XIANG LI
Artist, Chinese Empresses
Join us for an inspiring conversation with artist Xiang Li as she shares the stories, symbolism, and creative process behind her work in the Chinese Princess exhibit. Discover how traditional Chinese aesthetics and contemporary techniques blend in her evocative portraits. A book signing will follow the talk, with copies available for purchase on-site.
Saturday, August 2, 2– 3:30PM
FREE for NEBG Members; $10 public.
Walk & Talk with the Artist | XIANG LI AND FEI WU
Join internationally acclaimed artist Xiang Li and her daughter for an intimate walk and talk through Chinese Empresses by Xiang Li. Discover the stories behind her hand-painted silk tapestries depicting over 200 Chinese empresses, brought to life through traditional Chinese watercolour techniques.
Thursday, July 24, 6–7PM
Thursday, August 21, 6–7PM
Member: $15; Non-member: $18
Join us for a variety of pop-up lion dance performances celebrating Chinese culture and traditions in partnership with the Southeast Asian Coalition of Central MA. Check back soon for more details.
INCLUDED WITH GENERAL ADMISSION
Chinese Tea Ceremony with JIA LI | JIA LI, MD, Owner of Tea Tell Truth
Step into the tranquil world of traditional Chinese tea culture in this intimate ceremony led by Dr Jia Li. Experience the art of mindful brewing and graceful serving, while learning about the philosophy and history behind each gesture and sip. A rare opportunity to slow down, connect, and savour the moment.
Sunday, August 10; 11AM–12:30PM
Member: $70; Non-member: $84
Herbal Tea Blending Workshop with JIA LI
Discover the sensory magic of herbs in this hands-on workshop. Explore flavour profiles, healing properties, and traditional uses of various botanicals. Participants will create their own custom tea blend to take home, gaining both knowledge and a calming ritual to carry forward.
Sunday, August 10, 2:30–4:00 PM
Member: $70; Non-Member: $84
Make a Day of It: The Art & Alchemy of Tea
Attend both the Chinese Tea Ceremony and Herbal Tea Blending Workshop for a full afternoon of immersive, sensory-rich learning. This special experience offers the chance to connect with Dr Jia Li in an intimate setting, explore tea from tradition to creativity, and enjoy a peaceful, aromatic day.
Sunday, August 10
Both Programs; Member: $125; Non-Member: $150
Chinese Brush Painting: Poppies | SAU-MEI LEUNG
Bright, bold, and full of life, poppies are the perfect subject for exploring the elegant techniques of Chinese brush painting! Get hands-on with “the four treasures” (ink stone, ink sticks, brush, and paper) as you learn to create expressive floral art in this creative workshop.
Wednesday July 30, 6–8:30PM
Member: $48; Non-member: $54
Qigong & Tai Chi Movement | ROSE HORWITZ
Breathe deeply and practice gentle fluid movements mindfully to reduce stress and improve strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, range of motion, and stamina.
Wednesdays, 10:15–11:45AM
Member: $25; Non-member: $35
Qigong & Tai Chi Movement | ROSE HORWITZ
Breathe deeply and practice gentle fluid movements mindfully to reduce stress and improve strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, range of motion, and stamina.
Wednesday, July 17 & August 7, 6–7PM
Member: $25; Non-member: $35
IN THE GARDEN SHOP
During the exhibition, visitors can explore a curated selection of Xiang Li’s merchandise available in the Garden Shop. Offerings include the Chinese Empresses full-color book, collectible postcards, note cards, and beautifully designed scarves created from Xiang Li’s original paintings. While the paintings are part of Xiang Li’s permanent collection and are not for sale, high-quality, signed art prints are also available for purchase in the Garden Shop. Canvas reproductions (framed and unframed) are available through store.xiangliart.com. Take home a piece of history and artistry to remember your Garden visit!
