A Chinese artist wowed judges at the world's most famous pressed flower competition, winning two gold awards.

Professor Chen Guoju from South China Agricultural University garnered two first place awards during the annual Philadelphia Flower Show, which wrapped up on March 11.

The works, entitled "Irish Knot" and "The Legendary Figure," were made to echo this year's theme of "Legends of Ireland."

Chen Guoju's university said her victory demonstrates "the country's high level in pressed flower art."

This art form involves pressing dried flowers and plants on paper to form patterns. Finished pieces are appreciated for their vibrant colors and their creative display of nature.

Chen Guoju is a member of the World Wide Pressed Flower Guild, and in 1997 she opened the first pressed flower art course in China.

She is also writing a book on the art, in an effort to popularize its practice in China.

(CRI March 14, 2007)