A Small Piece of History

Did you know that the Oriental ceramic figurine is like a tiny history book?  This is true because the ceramic figurine can show us (rather than merely explain to us in writing) what the life, times, and people of the past were like.  The Asian ceramic collectible can give us a quick "peek" into a past time period of a particular place.  The time itself has long since vanished, but the figurine can show us a little bit about the way people lived. That is really incredible when you think about it!

Harlan Urwiler
Please feel free to check out my website at:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.

The White Elephant

There is a unique tradition associated with Buddhism.  A white elephant once appeared to the holy Queen Maya.  This happened in order to announce the birth of a royal king who would rule the world.  So, in Buddhism, the white elephant is considered the Jewel of the Law.  It is symbolic of compassion, kindness, and love.  A white elephant figurine is a very special collectible to own for such a reason!

Harlan Urwiler
Please feel free to check out my website at:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.

The Domestic Asian Elephant

The Asian elephant is smaller than the African animal.  The Asian breed weighs somewhere in the range of 3.25 to 5.5 tons.  The African beast weighs more.  The Asian elephant has smaller ears, four toes on each hind foot, and has more of a humped back.  Asian elephants have been used frequently during seasonal holidays or during cermonial activities for many centuries.  They are quite adaptable to the needs of people.

Harlan Urwiler
For more information, please feel free to visit my website at:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.

The Oriental Elephant

It seems obvious that the Oriental elephant simply represents the the Asian elephant.  However, did you know there are differences between the Asian and African elephants?  Sure... they are both elephants.  Even so, the Asian elephant is more domesticated and smaller.  Yet, the Asian elephant is a big part of life in many regions of Asia.  Over time the Asian elephant came to be represented as the "Oriental Elephant" figurine.... and revered deeply!

Harlan Urwiler
Please feel free to check out my website at:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.

Buddha Statues from Asia

Buddha statues come from different places throughout Asia.  They are unique and special, depending on the place where they originated.  Some of the places they come from would include (but are not limited to) Thailand, Nepal, India, China, and Indonesia.  They are made out of different materials too.  Some of these materials are metal, wood, resin, stone, and more.  The material often determines the kind of finish that is put on the lucky Buddha statue.

Harlan Urwiler
For more information, please feel free to check out my website at:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.

The Enlightened Buddha

The Buddha statue is a very popular Asian collectible.  Its symbolism is linked very directly to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.  He was the "first" Buddha, and he is the one symoblized by most of these statues around the world.  So one must understand his or her reason for wanting a Buddha statue.  They are usually symbols of happiness, luck, wealth, and prosperity.  More importantly, they represent the quest for enlightenment.

Harlan Urwler
For more information, please feel free to visit my website:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.

The Geisha Culture

The culture that the Japanese Geisha artist lived in long ago, but less so today, was shaped by forces beyond her control.  The Geisha was a product of this culture and the traditions which came with it.  Her title "Geisha" literally means "performing artist."  Men in Japan, especially those with wealth and extra time, deliberately sought out courtesans to entertain their prospective business clients in addition to personal relaxation.  The Geishas were expected to perform and entertain these guests in special tea houses.  This may be what helps to make the Geisha figurine so mysterious and enchanting today.  She represents Japanese art and high culture combined with beauty, sensuality, and elegance.

Harlan Urwiler
Please feel free to visit my website at:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.

Learning About the Geisha

In 1998 Arthur Golden's popular novel "Memoirs of a Geisha" unleashed new interest in the aspect of Japanese culture which concerns the "Geisha" artist.  I think the reason the Geisha life appeals so much to those of us in the West is because we don't really understand her world very well.  So our lack of understanding tends to lead us to see the Geisha as a mystery to probe more deeply into.  There have been many misunderstandings about the Geisha because of this fact.  Even so, learning about the Geisha is actually a very educational, and enlightening, experience.  It is worth the time and effort you put into it.

Harlan Urwiler
Please feel free to visit my website:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.

How to Get Your Oriental Figurine Today

You want to know a practical way to find out what Oriental figurines are available to you right now?  Visit your local Chinatown shops and grocers.  These businesses often carry imported collectibles.  The manager can be very helpful in helping you locate other known Asian collectors in your local area too.  Sometime the direct, face-to-face approach can pay big dividends in a short period of time!


Harlan Urwiler
Please feel free to check out my website at:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.