A Short History of Japanese Vintage Art, Part 1

The decor school of thought in the Japanese tradition has been influenced its unique culture.  Japan sees the focus of home decoration to rest upon what is called "spatial matters."  This is why shoji screens are commonly used in the Japanese household.  In this school of thought, the correct use of space is the main purpose.  It is helpful to know a few facts about Japan's collective art, its very old history, its interesting society, and its own distinct culture.  All this will help one better appreciate their studied viewpoint on the subject of contemporary Asian decoration.

Japanese art covers a wide range of styles which would include media.  Ancient pottery, sculpture in wood and bronze, and ink painting on silk and paper are all important parts of the traditions dating back thousands of years.  These art forms were evident from the beginnings of human habitation in Japan.  Archeologists estimate the respective date to be in the 10 millennium B.C.  In any case, they have remained constant to the present day.  So we can see that objects have played a role in Japanese decor (and ordinary life) from the beginning of their civilization. 

Historically speaking, Japan has been the subject of sudden invasions of new and foreign ideas.  These invasions were followed by long periods of time where there was little contact with the outside world.  So these facts about their art world reflect similar political and social realities of the time.  As a result, Japanese people have developed the skillful ability to assimilate certain foreign elements from outside cultures.  However, they were very careful to ensure that these foreign elements were a distinct complement to their own aesthetic preferences.  Japan has always been insistent about keeping foreign influence in their art and society at bay.  This is one thing that makes Japan different from trends in other Asian art trends.  Certainly Japanese decor includes objects.  However, their ruling prinicipal says that the space in a room is the first consideration.

Harlan Urwiler

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

The Art of China

Chinese art is visual.  This is true whether it is ancient or modern.  It originated in China and is still in practice in China by Chinese artists.  One examples of early Chinese art reveal a lot about the artist's work in the Chinese tradition.  The first example is the famous Qin sculptures.  The Terracotta Army is located inside the mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.  It consists of more than 7,000 life size tomb terra cotta figures.  The figures are of ancient warriors and their horses.  They are entombed with the first Emperor of Qin, Qin Shi Huang, about the year 210-209 B.C.  This is a very impressive and old scuplture which brings a strong sense of nationalistic pride to Chinese people.

When a person is looking at any piece of Asian art, it is important to try to understand the essence of the art itself.  If one can distinguish the similarities, due to the art's origin, then it will be easier to understand the things about it that are also unique.  In much of Asian art appreciating the Chinese tradition, along with its historical domination, is the first step in beginning to spot authentic pieces for decoration.  Even though China may be the original source for much of Asian art, it is by no means the end of it.  To track the rest of the story is an even larger investigation with many roads to follow!

Harlan Urwiler

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

East Asia's Cradle

The things about the Asian world that do intersect with each other are already well known.  After all, art, music, cuisine, and literature are very important part of the whole culture experience in this part of the world.  So it is really not that surprising that Eastern philosophy and different religions contribute a vital role throughout this region.  The major philosophical and religious systems of note are as follows:  Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism, Confuciansism, Christianity, and Islam.  The most challenging (and complicated) aspect of the Asian experience is the relationship between sub regions and the civilizations of the West.

Nowhere has this longstanding difficult been more evident than in the sub region called "East Asia."  Generally speaking, East Asia consists of China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.  Within this region the dominant influence has always been that of China.  This can be discovered by merely considering the common characteristics of this part of the world, including the shared religions of Buddhism and Taoism.  In addition, there is a shared moral and social philosophy which came down from Confucius.  It is for this reason that China could rightly be described as "the Cradle of East Asia.  It is no secret to anyone that China has had a huge (and profound) influence on the languages, cultures, economics, and art of East Asia... and this for a very, very long time!

Harlan Urwiler

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

Asian Culture?

Informed customers in the market for Oriental figurines want to know more about the past.  The past tells us a lot about a particular figurine.  It is like a small history book without the pages.  Plus, when a person makes an expensive payment for the very right collectible they want to know in advance how this piece of art is going to fit into their life.  Of course, there really isn't an easy way to understand the thousands of years in which Asian culture, art, and religion has developed.  Each place in Asia is unique in its own way.  So you have to take your time... that is, one small step at a time.

The culture of Asia is really a broad collection of human civilization all appearing in a geographic region of the world.  Honestly, it really isn't correct to use the term "Asian culture" in any specific way because that term is too general to fairly describe any particular place.  Asia features similar, though very distinct, nationalities and ethnic groups.  In the West, we use the term "Asia" to describe what we think is a continent of land.  In reality, this region is of our world is divided into more natural geographic and cultural sub regions.  These sub regions would include Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia, North Asia, West Asia, and Southeast Asia.  For reasons like this, there has been little common history for the people of this region we like to call "Asia."

So it is naive to think that each part of Asia is basically the same.  Collectibles, artwork, and the manner of life are all distinct to different people from different places in Asia.  The real challenge is in finding out what kind of Asian decor scheme you are trying to create in your home or office.  Before you can do this, it is necessary to learn as much as you can!

Harlan Urwiler

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

The Japanese School

When it comes to the Japanese tradition of home decor, the strategy is somewhat different than the Chinese school of thought.  The Japanese idea tends to focus more on spatial matters in decorating rather than objects.  The Japanese use a special room divider to separate form and function in the living space of their house.  This interesting divider is called a "shoji screen."  This screen is made with rice paper;  it also employes vibrant colors which sometimes have unique symbols.  A few types of shoji screens would include the Bamboo Tree shoji screen, the Cherry Blossum shoji screen, and the Geisha shoji screen.  Plus, "light" is a big part of the Japanese style of home decoration.  Lanterns are frequently displayed and used in this style of decor.  The Japanese lantern is like a box.  It symbolizes both strength and substance.  They are often constructed with thin rice paper or from silk.  These important materials allow light to shine through them more effectively.  Therefore, displaying images with them is very common.

One thing that both the Japanese and the Chinese traditions agree on is the use of cherry blossums in interior designs.  In Japan, "sakura" (or cherry tree) is held in very high regard.  During the season when the sakura blossums an annual celebration is held.  This celebration is called "Hanami."  Such a tree as this symbolizes beauty, innocence, and the fragile nature of life itself.  In China the cherry blossum is a celebration of the woman, especially the gift of her precious femininity.  The cherry blossum indicates power, sexuality, love, beauty, and softness.  The Japanese might also concur with these cherry blossum symbols in principal, though not state the connection to virginity in a woman so plainly.  In any case, the Chinese consider this flower to be as delicate and beautiful as a woman herself is.  Therefore, we do indeed some intersection between the Japanese and Chinese school of home decor despite other kinds of distinctions before mentioned.  Both of these schools are definitely Asian designs and very popular.

Harlan Urwiler

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

The New Trend in Home Decor

One of the newest, and consequently most exciting, trends in home decor is the influence of Asian culture.  There are probably too many reasons to count to explain this phenomenon.  However, it should be noted that the modern lifestyle in the West is increasingly a busy one. What Asian decor offers is a simplicity and an attention to sheer "space" that many people find attractive.  As a person begins to contemplate an approach to an Eastern scheme for their surroundings, it is a good idea to know some of the facts about the Asian options that are most widely known.  After all, you will have many questions as you start this exciting new enterprise!

The basic elements of Asian home decorating can traced back to two "schools" of thought, if I may use this general analogy for my purposes here.  The first school comes from the oldest civlization in East Asia:  China.  The second tradition finds its origin in the Empire of the Rising Sun:  Japan.  I will consider the Chinese school first.  "Feng Shui" is a Chinese idea which concerns the concept of space.  It is also concerned with the right kind of objects to be placed in such a space.  Feng Shui associates the home atmosphere with good health and prosperity.  There are usually various rooms in a house in which Feng Shui influence is more apparant.  The kitchen area is one such room.  It is considered "the heart of the home" in Chinese culture.  For the Oriental figurine collector, the kitchen is an excellent place to put a Buddha statue because this will increase "chi" (the life force of living beings) in the home.  A very good selection for this task for this important task would be the Laughing Buddha statue.  The material jade is often a popular and prudent selection among others.  In Feng Shui the Chinese dragon is also an extremely useful collectible to be used to increase the force of "chi" in your home.  Your living area or bedroom are usually good places for your dragon figurine.

You will not go wrong if you choose to adopt the Feng Shui school of decorating for your Asian home or office.  This is a deeply rooted and dynamic Eastern trend that cannot be overlooked.  Its connection to China is well known and firmly established.

Harlan Urwiler

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

Famous Dragons

Chinese tradition has noted several different types of dragons.  The first kind of dragon for consideration is Yinglong the Winged Dragon.  This creature is a powerful servant of Huang Di, the yellow emperor.  The emperor was later immortalized as a dragon.  According to the legend, Yinglong assisted a man by the name of Yu to stop the Yellow river from flooding.  This was done by digging long channels with his tail.  It is interesting that Yinglong is the oldest of all eastern dragons known throughout Asia.  You see, once dragons reach an appropriate age they grow wings.  This is according to the myth about them.  It is a belief in China (as well as other places) that dragons are often good natured and will help people.  This is in stark contrast to the Western tradition which sees dragons as "monsters."

Another type of dragon is Dragon King.  This creature consists of four different dragons.  Each dragon rules over one of the four seas:  the east, the south, the west, and the north.  Dragon Kings usually appear in their true forms.  This means they show themselves to be "dragons."  However, they also have the ability to "shape shift" into the form of human beings!  Some of the emperors of China even claimed to have a dragon as an ancestor due to this amazing power of theirs to become human.  However, the Dragon Kings livd in crystal palaces and were guarded very bravely by shrimp soldiers and crab generals.  When you are looking at Chinese dragon collectibles, these examples may be useful to keep in mind.  Knowing even more information about Chinese Dragons can make your shopping experience that much more fun and exciting!

Harlan Urwiler                                

                                          

Feel free to check out my website at:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.

The Chinese Dragon

Throughout nearly all regions of Asia, the Oriental Dragon remains a powerful and dynamic symbol to millions of people.  The symbol of the dragon can have many different meanings.  This due largely to the popular power of this very dominant symbol.  After all, dragons are the most ancient emblem of Eastern civilizations.  They are superior in most of the Oriental artwork no matter where it originates.  I find it curious that people of all nationalities seem to like dragons too!  The Chinese Dragon (or "lung") was a divine bearer of rain.  This was a benefit to all the people.  It really is of no surprise that throughout the history of China the dragon symbol has been closely identified with the weather.  In fact, it is often said that some of the worst known floods were caused when a mortal gave offense to a mighty dragon!

The dragon is also the symbol of the Chinese emperor.  It is said that the emperor's wisdom and divine power assured the welfare of the people who were his subjects.  Many legends have made connections between the dragon and the emperor.  In fact, some of the emperors even claimed to have a dragon as their ancestor!  Chinese mythical dragons could enlarge themselves to the size of the universe.... or they could become as small as a a silkworm.  The dragon was frequently seens as a very unpredictable creature which should not be made upset.  These dragons are believed to portray both celestial and terrestial power, wisdom, and ability.  Often, they reside in water.  They can also bring wealth and good luck.  Sometimes they even use their magical power to help people who are in trouble.  In fact, the traditional dragon in most Chinese New Year's Day parades is thought to cast out evil spirits that might want to ruin the New Year.  For all these reasons, the Chinese Dragon is a very special and powerful symbol.  It is no wonder why so many want to have a dragon nearby!

Harlan Urwiler

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

Oriental Lady Figurines

When it comes to Oriental Lady Figurines, there are several that have caught my attention.  One is labeled "Kimono Dressed Oriental Lady" and is made of fine ceramic material.  She stands twelve inches tall in attractive manner with her Japanese colors.  On the other hand, the figurine called "Traditional Chinese Lady Hand Crafted Statue" is an incredible work of art too.  She is made of fine ceramic and stands sixteen inches tall.  There is a definite "Chinese" feeling you get from her.  You don't have to look very hard to fine some really excellent pieces!

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

My Oriental Gallery Blog: Porcelain Figurine

My Oriental Gallery Blog: Porcelain Figurine: "Porcelain is a general term for material that many Oriental figurines are made from. Nearly all ceramic ware that is white and translu..."

Porcelain Figurine

Porcelain is a general term for material that many Oriental figurines are made from.  Nearly all ceramic ware that is white and translucent is made of porcelain.  Chinese porcelain is usually made by combining several materials:  kaolin, pottery stone, feldspar, and quartz.  Porcelain is a very good material when it comes to delicate figurines like the Oriental lady.  It can be painted over in careful detail to create a very attractive piece of art work!

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