A film that introduced me to the subject of Chinese culture some years ago was Oliver Stone's production of "The Joy Luck Club." The film itself was based upon the novel by author Amy Tan. As I look back on my life journey, I see this now as the beginning of many wonderful things for me. I owe Amy Tan my thanks for her literary work, which continues to reach millions of people around the world. I have also discovered that Tan has put much of herself into her novels. This is especially true regarding the challenges of the "Chinese" experience in the Western world.
The trend of intermarriage is nothing new. However, it should also be noted that throughout history all cultures have opposed the idea of a person from one culture or race marrying someone from another culture or race. Nations have always been interested in preserving the aspects of their culture and race from compromise. The simple fact is that "intermarriage" compromises the distinctiveness of an ethnic group at the most intimate level possible: the family unit. Therefore, there were often strict legal prohibitions on "who" you could marry in the past. Even so, intermarriages still did happen despite the harsh social penalties.
So you are a fan of most things "Japanese." Well, you are certainly not alone. Japanese culture has produced some very beautiful and elegant items during its history. Even a quick glance at their culture and art, not to mention their venerated traditions, will confirm this fact. However, when most people think about Japanese ceramics a lot of us don't realize that before the Edo period (1603-1868) ceramics were practically foreign to Japan.
The ceramic industry actually made its greatest progress with development of the traditional "tea ceremony." At the start of the 18th century, Chinese wares used in tea ceremony records were much more expensive than Japanese wares. So the industry had not flourished prior to this time. For practical purposes, common meals and banquet ceremonies were served on lacquer ware for the wealthy. In addition, the poor and middle class also ate off of lacquer or wooden trays.
What we see a lot of in Asian women's fashion is similar to what most Western women are wearing these days. Jewelry is present, but it is generally not overdone. Jeans and decorative blouses are frequently noticed, yet there is also something distinctive about the way Asian women dress themselves. From the standpoint of what is "contemporary" in the West, one might conclude that Asian women still retain a touch of modesty but not a traditional look either.
Many garments and fashionable items are made in China these days. So much of Western women are wearing is probably from Asia too. With the international market place being alive and well, it is a reality that fashion today has taken on the same "international" styles. Even so, the Chinese woman can still find distinctive fashion from China to express her culture appropriately. The same can be said for the Japanese woman and others. There has never been an era quite like the one we are living in now. Happy shopping!
Best regards from your good friend,
Harlan Urwiler
For more information, feel free to visit my website at: http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.
In the past different attitudes were commonplace regarding the roles of men and women of Thailand. For example, when a male baby was born a slate and a pencil were placed beside the baby. The idea was that this baby boy should grow up to become a man of knowledge and understanding of the world. However, if the baby was a girl a needle and thread would be placed next to the baby instead. This would mean that this little girl ought to grow up to become a good housewife. When this same baby boy got a little older he would be sent to study at a temple. The same-age girl would have to stay home and learn to do household chores. An old Thai saying goes like this: The charm at the tip of a ladle makes a husband love his wife all of his life."
For more information, feel free to visit my website at: http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.
The culture and religious history of Thailand has been deeply influenced by Buddhism for a very long time. Going back into history, you could say that Thai people have fervently believed in the doctrine of "karma." This idea teaches that good or bad deeds performed in one's past life have an effect upon on the condition of one's present life. If you behaved yourself in a past life, you might be re-born as a rich or important person in the next life. If you misbehaved, you could be re-born as an animal or a rodent.
When one thinks of the women of the country of Thailand, there is a certain stereotype which always comes to mind. The idea is that Thai women have very good manners, love to take care of their families, and are always obedient to their husbands. Of course, this same stereotype could also be applied to other Asian women. However, the sage of the women of Thailand is a very interesting one to consider. Thailand itself is a particularly fascinating place to learn about. So the story of its women gives us a unique and telling insight into this Asian culture.
Chinese Buddhist statues of ancient times make a definite point. They unquestionably prove that Buddhist art has had a longstanding and profound influence upon the people, culture, and history of China. It makes sense that this should be the case too. After all, Buddha statues are supposed to represent the calm and serenity that is supposed to come from attaining enlightenment (also called "self knowldege"). With this state of mind the blessed experience of nirvana in the after life is made more possible... or so the faith of Buddhism declares.
It has been said that Korea is place of opposites existing closely with each other. This is most obvious in the fact that it combines ancient Eastern tradition with modern technology. For instance, in downtown Seoul one can find evidence of the country's long history in its palaces, city gates, and certainly its temples. However, it is also plain to see that the country is developing very rapidly in terms of its education, technology, and industry.
One hears a lot about Chinese and Japanese decor in the circle of East Asian art. These two civilizations have (without dispute) effected much of the common culture of many other places. This is most obviously true of China which has also influenced Japan in its long, old history. Often the aggression of Japan was the primary vehicle of influence to other parts of East Asia. In any case, these two civilizations have exerted their influence in a number of different ways.
