Presenting Sponsor: The Kemper And Ethel Marley Foundation

Celebrating the unparalleled combination of imagination and artistry

Presented in partnership with Pearl Works, MIM’s exhibition Dragons and Vines: Inlaid Guitar Masterpieces features a collection of more than 30 instruments focused on the stunning designs created by the greatest contemporary North American inlay artists and luthiers. The majority of the pieces come from the private collection of Larry Sifel (1948–2006), the founder of Pearl Works.

  • November 5, 2016–September 4, 2017

Featuring limited-edition and one-of-a-kind creations

Each instrument vividly illustrates the transformation of bold imagination into reality, displaying snarling dragons and delicate floral patterns as well as re-creations of historic artwork and hot rod automobiles.

dragons and vines

In partnership with

pearl Work

Featured Pieces

“Dragon 2002” Electric Guitar

“Dragon 2002” Electric Guitar

Designed by independent designer Jeff Easley, this guitar depicts a close-up view of a dragon’s head that covers almost 90 percent of the body. “Dragon 2002” Electric Guitar, 2002, Pearl Works, Paul Reed Smith Guitars Loan courtesy of Jean Sifel and Pearl Works in memory of Larry Sifel

Martin D-50 Koa Deluxe Acoustic Guitar

Martin D-50 Koa Deluxe Acoustic Guitar

This instrument’s inlaid work depicts Martin’s traditional “Tree of Life” design. The vine patterns are cut from dark-heart abalone shell and are outlined in mother-of-pearl. Martin D-50 Koa Deluxe Acoustic Guitar, 2003, Pearl Works, C. F. Martin & Co. Loan courtesy of Jean Sifel and Pearl Works in memory of Larry Sifel

“Night Dive” OM Guitar

“Night Dive” OM Guitar

This instrument illustrates the process of collecting shells for inlay. The materials for this piece include reconstituted stone and Corian. “Night Dive” OM Guitar, 2004, Pearl Works, C. F. Martin & Co. Loan courtesy of Jean Sifel and Pearl Works in memory of Larry Sifel

Martin D-100 Deluxe Acoustic Guitar

Martin D-100 Deluxe Acoustic Guitar

Pearl Works created this guitar to commemorate Martin Guitar’s milestone of making 1 million guitars. Crafted with gold, copper, green tourmaline stone, and brilliant shell materials. Martin D-100 Deluxe Acoustic Guitar, 2004, Pearl Works, C. F. Martin & Co. Loan courtesy of Jean Sifel and Pearl Works in memory of Larry Sifel

“Predator” banjo

“Predator” banjo

Inspired while on a hunting trip, Renée Karnes spent two years creating the “Predator” banjo, which depicts an expansive wilderness filled with trees, a flowing river, and sixty-one individual animals. “Predator” banjo, 2007, Renée Karnes Loan courtesy of Renée Karnes

Inside the Exhibition

Inside the Exhibition

Inside the Exhibition

Inside the Exhibition

Inside the Exhibition

Inside the Exhibition

Inside the Exhibition

Inside the Exhibition

Inside the Exhibition

Inside the Exhibition

Inside the Exhibition

Inside the Exhibition

Learn more about these inlaid masterpieces in MIM’s special exhibition catalog, which is available at the Museum Store or online at theMIMstore.org.

Buy Catalog

Thank you to our generous donors

Sponsored by C. F. Martin & Co., Paul Reed Smith Guitars, U.S. Bank, and Lorraine Lum Calbow
C F Martin
guitars
usbank
Supported by

Event Rents, Angelo and Micheline Addona, Richard and Babette Addona Burns, Carolyn and John Friedman, and Eugenie C. Trotter and Jack E. Watson

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MIM’s Telly Award-Winning Documentary

Ancient flutes and drums hark back to the dawn of Chinese civilization, giving us a glimpse of the musical life of an early agrarian society. Grand racks of bronze bells evoke elaborate rituals performed during the formative years of Chinese culture. Lively ceramic figures illustrate the joyful mixing of cultures during the time of the legendary Silk Road. Elegant silk strings entertain gatherings of refined music lovers and inspire poetic contemplation.

In addition to the collection of exquisite musical instruments, the exhibition also features beautiful music-related artworks made of materials such as ceramic and jade. Many of these instruments and artworks were excavated from tombs of the nobility.

dragons and vines