The Exotic Geisha of Japan

The Geisha artists of Japan are known as performers of the "willow and flower world."  These women are quite feminine, but they are also very strong people.  In a literal way, the costume of a Geisha artist can weight 40 lbs.  Therefore, a Geisha has be physically strong to carry herself with the grace and art expected.  Geisha are entertainers, but they belong mostly to the world which existed before television.  In those days, people thrived on interpersonal games and good conversation.  If one was rich enough, he could pay large sums of money for a Geisha to stop by a party for five mintues to an hour (depending on how much money he could spend).  The Geisha artist was involved constantly in enhancing good conversation, dancing, and playing musical instruments.  They mainly used what is called "shamisen."

In the Western world, these Geisha artists are very interesting to us.  It has been noted that they are a "world apart."  Geishas reflect an order of sexual relationships that has never been directly addressed in the West.  The two books that are mainly known (and are available sources of the Geisha lifestyle to Western culture) are "Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden and "Geisha, A Life" by someone who is protected for cultural considerations.  The two accounts are somewhat at odds with each other because of differences of interpretation regarding the meaning of the Geisha experience.  Golden seems to portray the Geisha as being under the control of men.  Iwasaki's memoir sees the Geisha as a fully independent woman with no need or use for sex as a method of obtaining income.  The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

The Geisha were certainly hard-working women who understood the unique culture and traditions of Japan.  In my opinion, they could not be "weak" in order to do what was required of them.  It is likely that there was interdependence between the two sexes at the height of the Geisha era.  The exotic mystery continues to fascinate us though.  They remain an essential part of authentic Japanese home decor!

Harlan Urwiler

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

Introducing the Chinese Embroidered Hand Bag

When it comes to embroidery, the underlying foundation fabric and the placement of stiches decides a great deal about the final product.  Embroidery styles are very plentiful these days.  They are also quite unique one from the other.  Some styles might include Crewel, Chinese embroidery, cross-stitch, phulkari, and others.  For this reason, embroidered hand bags also come in these same styles.  Embroidered hand bags display many special kinds of featues.  Some of them would use French knots or couching stitches.  Other bags might have lazy daisies, looped petal flowers, or Japanese ribbon stitches.  Bags could have stem stitch roses, split stitches, or straight stitches depending upon the design.  Threads of different colors are often used to give the bag an extra special look for the consumer.  Additional items on embroidered hand bags have frequently included sequins, beads, stones, gems, seeds, and ribbons.  These items are sewed in along with threads.  All these techniques make the hand bags more attractive as an artistic piece of personal embroidered art.

The Chinese embroidered hand bag is a special item to own.  There is the handmade cloth bag with a Chinese character stitched on the front side in a very beautiful way.  Other bags come with completely, fully covered beaded displays and zippers on top.  One style of bag is fully covered with beads and a lovely butterfly picture stitched on both sides .  Other bags in this unique line of products have magnetic snap closures, cute pumpkin pictures, fashionable flowers, pink flowers, twisted straps made of steel, and others come in many different colors.  These are all great selections available in the Chinese Embroidered Hand Bag Collection from the Asia.  These bags certainly supplement one's personal taste in Asian decor in attractive ways.  Plus, these bags provide ample storage space for most things that the modern woman desires to carry.  So the selection of an embroidered Chinese hand bag seems very prudent and in good taste!

Harlan Urwiler

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

The New Asian Niche!

Can you believe that a new fashion craze is emerging on the market scene?  You probably can.  What is different about this one that it is generally considered to be quite "ethnic" although employing exquisite art work.  Naturally, these two factors lead to an elegant appearance.  Embroidered hand bags are these exciting, new items today!  What is really amazing is that these bags show no signs of slowing down in sale volume.  Women are buying embroidered hand bags more and more frequently.  There are a variety of excellent reasons for this.  I believe the main reason is that embroidered hand bags are fine works of art.  Why not carry one around with you everywhere?

Before I get into the details of these wonderful products, it is good to review the overall history and types of embroidery available to the consumer.  The best definition available about what "embroidery" means is this one:  embroidery is the stitching of artistic designs in strands of thread and/or yarn on a fabric with the use of a needle.  The person doing the stitching may also use other things along with the thread or yarn.  They may include such items as metal strips, beads, pearls, sequins, and quills.  It is no surprise at all that very beautiful and detailed embroidery designs are often performed by the hands of highly skilled artisans. 

This may be main reason why hand-made embroidery is usually considered to be exclusive.  Hand-made embroidery is popular and greatly desired.  However, it is almost always very expensive.  It is possible to use sewing machines to create embroidery.  This is often done by large manufacturing companies which, in turn, target wholesale avenues for distribution of the final product.

An embroidered hand bag is a great gift for the special woman in your life.  This is also true for the Asian woman as much as it is for any other woman.  Chinese embroidered hand bags are gaining quickly in popularity almost every where.  The selection, artwork, and beauty of the Chinese embroidered bag is quite impressive.  Such a bag adds greatly to one's personal Asian decor.  However, there is still much more to say about embroidery before you make a selection.  Please wait for the rest of this exciting story!

Harlan Urwiler

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

Japan's Forgotten Geisha?

Today Japan is much like the West.  There are similar fashion trends.  Young people carry cell phones every where.  There are cars jamming most streets and highways.  The people of Japan seek promotions in their careers.  Sound familiar yet?  They like video games, movies, technology, computers, and most other things that have overtaken popular culture.  Unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer people in Japan that desire to be good students of Japanese culture.  Therefore, there are not very many Geisha artists left.  In fact, an old tradition is quickly dying out.  Perhaps it is due to apathy... and not very much cash flow either.  It is sad but quite true.

A fictional character created by Caroline Seawright recently caught my attention.  It is about a geisha artist and her life in Japan.  This character's original name was Yamada Sakyou.  Later on, she would become the elegant Geisha known as "Mameo."  She grew up in Osaka.  She attended school there and lived a relatively normal childhood for some time.  However, then her parents divorced.  Her memories of her father were scant because he seems to have left quickly after the divorce.  The little girl was teased at school because of her parent's divorce.  This incident happened in the past when divorce carried serious social taboos for women.  So Yamada became a withdrawn and shy child as a result.

When she was old enough to understand what a Geisha was, it was her desire to become a maiko (apprentice geisha) in a city called Gion.  As a little girl she had many idealized fantasies about what becoming a Geisha would mean, but little real understanding of the hardships involved.  Her mother was supportive of this choice, even though attempting to change her daughter's mind.  Nevertheless, she went to live in an okiya with mama-san (the owner of the okiya) and Mameko, her only Geisha.

The story goes on to describe her life up to the time of success years later.  Then it tells of the death of Yamada's mother, followed by her opportunity to go to Tokyo to pursue the Geisha life even further.  The story is bittersweet.  The line between sorrow and happiness is not clear.  No doubt this is the case because the life of a Geisha in times past very often was much like this story.  Geishas were once famous and elegant entertainers before the invention of television.  Nowadays they are a fading memory in Japan, though there is much Geisha decor which still survives.  A fascinating book on the subject is "Geisha:  A Unique World of Tradition, Elegance and Art" by John Gallagher.  Geishas were exotic and mysterious.  The women of Japan who were Geishas have entranced western people for a long time.  But who were they, to be exact?  The answer itself hides behind the world of tradition and ritual created to conceal their saga.   The Japanese Geisha is truly fascinating and entertaining person!

Harlan Urwiler

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

Vintage Selection of Chinese Symbol Jewels

Calligraphy is an ancient art form.  It is practiced very widely in China today.  Calligraphy is a language which can be translated.  It is based upon symbols which are composed of delicate strokes from an artist's pen.  This kind of language is known as an abstract art because the characters are best appreciated for their refined elegance.  This is true even if you don't know that they can be translated into words.  When you look at calligraphy (and don't understand its meaning) you still find yourself being entranced by its mystery as it engages your curious nature.

The Sorella Chinese Symbol jewelry selection is one brand which employs calligraphy in its careful construction.  The art design itself is relatively simple, but its meaning for the one who gives it or for the one who receives it is very profound.  Sorella jewelry selection offers Chinese symbol rings, pendants, bracelets, charms, cuff link, and key rings.  There are three hundred different expressions which can be translated into Chinese symbols including sentimental, inspiring, amusing, motivational, romantic, and religious.  You can even select a horoscope symbol.  Selections are available in Platinum, 18 K, 14 K, 10 K Gold, Palladium, and Sterling Silver.   They are crafted by an artist's hand in careful ways that require many years of practice to acquire expert status.

These Chinese symbol pieces express the mystery and wonder of East Asia very well.  They appeal to a wide range of people, including men, women, parents of an adoptive child from China, young people, husbands, wives, and beloved family members.  Chinese symbol pieces are elegant gifts for the most special people in your life.  We wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect piece to own!

Harlan Urwiler

For other information, please feel free to visit my website:  www.myorientalgallery.com.    

Precious Jade and Chinese Gemstones

It may interest you to know that before the 17th and 18th centuries most of the usable jade in China was nephrite.  This type is also known commonly as "Ming Jade."  An old Chinese proverb says it best:  "Gold is estimable, but Jade is priceless!"  In China this belief had tremendous influence upon almost every one.  It effected the style of personal decor in the culture for a very long time.  Early jade rings show more evidence of being fashioned with a very old type of equipment called "compound milling machine."  Saltwater pearls were another Chinese gem that became very popular with people.  It is an undisputed fact that the color "blue" was an Imperial color.  It designated rank or royalty.  Blue enameling was used to embellish royal ornamentation.  This identification of the color "blue" with great importance is still true today in China. 

Since both genders could wear jewelry like earrings, men and women of importance were determined to show their nobility and wealth to other people.  Women did tend to wear a different assortment of jewelry.  Their selections might include headdresses or simple head bands.  Jewelry, religious amulets, and other decorative articles were often placed inside the graves of the dead.  This was done at the time of burial.  Rulers, high officials, and certainly Emperors were buried with their precious jade artifacts in order to protect them in the next life.

It is not unreasonable for a person to ask, What is the most popular gemstone materials used today in China?  Not too much has changed in this regard.  Pearls (both freshwater and saltwater), jade (both nephrite and jadeite), and cloisonne enameling remain very sought after gemstone material by prospective buyers.  This is evidence that China is a country which has not forgotten its history.  These precious gems and other pieces of jewelry are very significant parts of their unique culture, their distinguished heritage, and even their own spirituality.  To own a piece of Chinese jewelry and to wear it with confidence, is an experience to be savored.  Know all you can about China's jewelry fashions... and look for the best selection for yourself!  Wishing you the very best of luck!

Harlan Urwiler

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

The Ageless Beauty of Chinese Jewels

People who like Chinese jewelry, pendants, and amulets know why these are so special.  Granted, there are a plethora of jewelry to choose from in the Asian marketplace.  Some of these would include headdresses, necklaces, pectorals, coin pendants, bracelets, rings, seal rings, head jewelry, anklets diadems, and even more.  In the practice of creating ancient Chinese jewelry gemstones were often included with Jade and Diamonds to fashion a truly enchanting piece.  The old story is very fascinating, and it continues to influence the modern jewelry of Asia we see today.

The established practice itself began about 5,000 years ago.  The occurred during the Yangtze Delta's Middle Neolithic Yang-shao and Lungshanoid cultures.  Chinese jewelry designs evolved gradually over time.  In fact, different motifs were used along the way.  The dragon and the phoenix were very popular motifs in the early examples of Chinese jewelry.  These trends have certained remained constant to the present time!  The dragon symbol is a special one indeed.  The dragon represents the powers of nature and of the universe.  This symbol is associated with wisdom and longevity.  It is noteworthy that the "five-clawed" dragon was a symbol of the Chinese emperor.  The symbol of the phoenix indicated the Chinese empress.  The earring is one of the common items we see throughout history, and leading up to the present time.  It could be worn by either a man or a woman.  Both genders were free to display earrings.  In addition, Chinese earrings could be very complex and large. 

Early Chinese jewelry was fashioned by using silver as the primary metal.  Modest amounts of gold and bronze were often included in the forming process.  The most prized material used in this kind of jewelry was jade.  It also came to be known as "Ming Imperial Jade."  Attributes which we ascribe to human beings, such as beauty and toughness, gradually started to be associated with Jade.  The material jade was used a talisman to protect the wearer.  It also started to have a "status symbol."  It was believed that the wearer of jade had superior dignity, grace, and morality. 

Beauty is not something produced by any piece of jewelry.  However, the right kind of jewelry can enhance the quality of grace and beauty which is already possessed by the wearer.  Chinese jewelry has been influential throughout Asia.  However, there is still much more to discover about the jewelry.  Most importantly, don't neglect to improve the beauty you already have within yourself.  In doing so, your jewelry will do its job in the best possible way.  Warmest regards!

Harlan Urwiler

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

The Immortality of the Chinese Horse

China's very survival as an ancient society greatly depended upon the mighty Asian horse.  Beginning around the 4th century BC, China's most fearsome and powerful adversaries came from nomadic invaders out of the north and west.  The ancient battles of the Middle Kingdom, which we can only envision in our minds today, were terribly violent.... with much bloodshed!  Horses fought bravely side by side with their warrior masters to the bitter end of life.  By the time of the Han Dynasty the Chinese were forced (albeit quite reluctantly) to abandon the war chariot drawn by horses as a military weapon.  In its place came the mounted, skilled soldier riding a horse.  Once again, horses were intimate participators in the gruesome battles of ancient warfare.  Converting to the mounted soldier was done to better deal with the nomadic threat in the most effective way possible at the time.  From the Xiongnu to the Mongols and Manchus, the northern nomadic tribesmen fielded some of the most spectacular mounted soldiers which the world has ever seen.  At the very same time, this fact was a thorn in the side of the Chinese who had to use the same tactics of war to resist these warrior tribesmen who were hungry for conquest and conflict.

The Chinese horse also played a vital role in the mythology of early China.  This magnificent animal was closely associated with the famous Chinese dragon.  Both creatures were thought to be capable of flight.  Their flights supposedly carried their brave riders to the "home of the immortals."  The horse then became a symbol of immortality, power, and honor.  This ability to fly through free air and/or space has been linked to survival throughout all of China's long history.  It is only logical to conclude that any horse which can fly to the realm of the immortals must also be able to survive forever!

The importance of the horse has subsided in the time period we today call "modern China."  However, the mythological spirit of this ancient horse continues to run deeply throughout China's culture, in their decoration, and with their art forms.  In 1995, it was estimated that the population of horses had exceeded 11 million.  This is aproximately one sixth of all horses in the world.  Since this is the case a Chinese horse collectible is the perfect gift for most anyone, especially those aspiring to create that authentic Asian home decor!

Harlan Urwiler

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

The Mighty Horse of Asia

What is the Asian horse collectible really all about?  Well, a very famous horse owes its unique history and mythology almost totally to China.  I am talking here about the Chinese horse, which dates back thousands of years.  It special history began during the earliest time of the Chinese Emperor.  Horses have captured the hearts of human beings throughout the whole world.  Many believe this is due to their grace, power, and beauty.  So the love of the horse is just as strong in the experiences of nearly all Asian civilizations.  Even so, the symbolism of the Chinese horse remains very powerful and for good reasons.

During China's very old history, no animal has earned greater respect and admiration as the horse.  The Chinese horse was domesticated in the area of northeastern China around 5,000 years ago.  Since this time, the horse has been an integral figure in the creation, maintenance, and survival of the Middle Kingdom.  The animal's great need was obvious as early as the Shang Dynasty (1600-1100 BC).  It is true that horses and the vehicles they powered were often placed in the same tombs with their owners at death.  This was done so the horse could go with its master into the next life.  This tradition was so strong in its influence that later on many ordinary Chinese horsemen were buried with clay horse sculptures.

At the time of the western Zhou Dynasty (1100-771 BC), military strength was calculated by the number of war chariots available.  As the Empire grew, horses became necessary for maintaining contact with the whole country.  Horses were absolutely necessary for transporting goods throughout the vast area of ancient China.  Horses were also needed for the control exerted by the Emperor over the population.  The will of the divine Potentate was exercised by his soldiers who rode these magnificent animals nearly every where.

The Chinese horse symbolizes great power, strength, endurance, and importance.  Horses are considered to be loyal, as are those who own horse collectibles.  A horse collectible in your home is a very wise selection, as you can probably tell by now.  These are just a few of the reasons why the Chinese horse has exerted such influence over much of Asia.  However, there is still more to the story!

Harlan Urwiler

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

The Fate of the South China Tiger

South China's own tiger species may be the source for much Asia's infatuation with this species.  It is worthy of our consideration for this reason.  The South Chinese tiger (Panthera tigris amoyenis) is also known as the Chinese Amoy or Xiamen tiger.  It is a peculiar subspecies of tiger native to the forests and jungles of South China.  This tiger is one of the smaller species.  Sadly, it is also the most critically endangered of any living tiger species.  Experts in this area of study say that there are probably fewer than 20 of these tigers left in the wild.  Plus, they also warn that the South Chinese tiger could become extinct in a decade or so.  The Chinese tiger is believed by these experts to be the "stem" tiger which all other tigers may have descended.  No matter the case, the South Chinese tiger has been listed more recently as one of the world's 10 most endagered animals.

Since the year 1990, China's State Forestry Administration has been leading the effort to preserve the South Chinese tiger from extinction.  This has been done through the establishment of special Nature Reserves for the 10 to 30 Chinese tigers believed to be left in the wilderness.  A 1987 study by Chinese scientists also reported a few tigers remaining in the Guangdong mountain area, which border Hunan and Jiangxi Provinces.  Still, another survey in 1990 noted some evidence of about a dozen tigers in 11 reserves.  These reserves were located in the remote mountain areas of Guangdong, Hunan, and Fujian Provinces.  These provinces, needless to say, are all located in South China.

Perhaps reasons like these also encourage people to remember the South China tiger.  One way of doing that is to have a Chinese tiger collectible in your home or office.  It will remind you of the special creature whose fate does not appear to be very good.  The tiger is indeed a beautiful and powerful symbol to own with so many ancient stories having been told and re-told about it.  It would make a very wonderful addition to your home.

Harlan Urwiler

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

The Chinese Tiger Collectible

The stories behind the Asian tiger myth are very powerful.  They allure us in personal ways.  We are often seduced by the mystery surrounding this graceful (though dangerous) creature.  People every where are drawn to the symbol which the tiger represents.  So when it comes to the Asian Tiger collectible, the enticement to have one of your very own is almost irresistible.  When you learn even a few of the stories about Asian tigers, it easy to understand this feeling.  You may not be satisfied until you have one in your home or office.

In old Korea, only unmarried, young people would wear brightly colored attire.  This way their youth and beauty would stand out for all to see... especially other young people!  The married people had to wear gray clothing.  The elderly people wore white.  The worship of nature spirits was very commonplace among Asian communities no matter where they were located.  In one story a Korean teenage boy follows a very beautiful, young girl home one day.  However, the boy got much more than he expected.  A tiger was her personal guardian and protector.  The tiger was a powerful ally and capable of fierce retribution, if the boy had decided to take advantage of the young girl.  The girl's innocence was safeguarded by this tiger.  In fact, the tiger may have been a nature spirit in physical form.  No one really knows for sure, but the implication is certainly there.  There is an exquisite painting of this story called "The Tiger Girl."

The ancient symbol for the Chinese tiger is well known.  The emblem itself signifies ferocity, dignity, sternness, courage, and even Yin energy.  Therefore, as symbol of protection, the image is usually worn on clothing.  It can also be placed around one's home.  The idea is that the power of the tiger will help to ward off harm and assure safety.  In fact, the people in some parts of China consider the "Tiger" to be the God of Wealth.  The Tiger symbol is not as dominant as the symbol of the Dragon.  However, considering these myths and the popularity of the creature itself, the Chinese Tiger collectible is a very honored piece to own.

Harlan Urwiler

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

More of The Story Behind Feng Shui

Since the time period of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, some form of ruler has been the main authority figure above all others in China.  It is true that different periods of history have different names for the various positions.  However, the Chinese has almost universally understood that a strong central ruler was necessary.  This is the case because of the vast region and the enormous number of people within their civilization.  Most social values originate with either Confucianism or Taoism.  The teaching of Reincarnation is really a reminder to the Chinese of the connection between this life and the "so-called" next life.  It can also be said that the business culture has been shaped by these ideas too.  In business the concept of "guanxi" has been well established for quite some time.  Guanxi teaches that relationships should take precedence over mere regulations.

Chinese religion was originally devoted to worshipping the supreme god "Shang Di."  This generally took place during the Xia and Shang dynasties.  The emperor and diviners acted as priests in this kind of faith.  The Zhou Dynasty changed this relgions to worhsipping the broader concept of "heaven."  Therefore, a great part of Chinese culture is based on the idea that spiritual world does exist.  Countless methods of this form of divination have helped to answer the questions of people.  In fact, they have even served as an alternative to medicine.  Folklores have aided in filling in the gap for things and events which could not be explained.  For all these reasons, there tends to be a dim line between that which is myth, religion, or unxeplained pehenomenon.  Therefore, many deities of China are part and parcel of the traditons dating back centuries.  Some of the most well known holy figures would include Guan Yi, Jade Emperor, and Buddha.  It is interesting that many of the old stories and myths have even evolved over time to become traditional Chinese holidays!

Feng Shui, as a decorating strategy, is devoted to the proper placement of objects in a particular area.  Therefore, these facts about China's fascination with different emperors, deities, historical figures, and myths relating to them suggest understandable reasons for this kind of scheme.  So choosing to decorate your home or office in the Feng Shui way firmly tells others that you are sympathetic with the "Chinese" school of thought.  Learning as much as you can about Feng Shui is always helpful to prepare your home for the atmosphere you want to create.  Good luck in your plans!

Harlan Urwiler

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