A Tribute to Gong Li, Part 1

One of the most famous (and influential) Chinese actresses of the past generation is Gong Li.  Her family name is Gong while her personal name is Li.  She was born on December 31, 1965.  Li was the youngest child in a family of five children.  Her father was a college economics professor in Beijing, China, but she was born in Shenyang, Liaoning.  Li's mother was forty years old when she was born and worked a teacher.  Li actually grew up in the city of Jinan, the capital of Shangdong Province. 

Li was not interested in following in her parent's footsteps as professional academics.  Her early passion was lay in the areas of singing, dancing, and acting.  In 1985 she applied to study at China's top music school.  However, she was denied entrance.  Her parents did not approve of her desire to follow this course for a career.  They attempted to influence her to follow a safer, more traditional course of study.  Later in 1985 Li was accepted to the very prestigious Central Academy of Drama in Beijing.  She graduated from this school in 1989.

While she was a student at the Central Academy of Drama, she was discovered by a man named Zhang Yimou.  He would choose Li for the lead role in his ground-breaking Chinese film "Red Sorghum"  in 1987.  This would be his first film as a director.  In this film Li assumed the lead character as a meek bride who becomes a powerful woman when she takes over her husband's winery following his death.  Gong Li has come to embody a new generation of Chinese woman.  She was brought up during ancient tradition but managed to reach out toward feminist values.  Her compelling film work refers to empowerment for women.

Her interesting, naturalistic performances are about different women struggling to overcome feudalism and patriarchy.  This has contributed greatly to the international success of her films.  Li herself has been credited with helping to attract American audiences to the Chinese film industry.  She married Singaporean businessman Ooi Hoe Soeng in 1996.  She became a Singaporean citizen in 2008.  Sadly, on June 28, 2010 it was revealed that Gong Li and her husband had become divorced.  Her dramatic work over the years speaks for itself.  She is a premier Chinese actress with a powerful appeal all over the world!

Harlan Urwiler

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

The Classical Within The Modern Decor of China

There were a variety of ancient techniques that laid the foundation for the development of bronze artwork in China.  It should be understood that the manufacturing of a bronze vessel was quite different from the way mere pottery was formed.  Bronze art required a great amount of resources.  One such resource was the movement of skilled craftsmen to do this kind of delicate work.  The extra special and elaborate effort involved in the creation of bronze vessels indicates that these works were meant for ceremonies and rituals, and not for common use.  The modern student today will probably ask, What excatly was their purpose?

In the classification of bronze art this problem of understanding is reflected.  In the classical Chinese texts on the subject they are assigned names including ding, gui, jue, hu, you, and zun.  These records tell us how the bronze vessels were used in the early rituals of China.  In the Zhouli (Rites of Zhou), the ding-tripod is described as a meat offering vessel.  The stemmed dou-bowl was referred to as a vessel for meat sauces and vegetables.  These texts tell us how the vessels "should" be used... not necessarily how they were exactly used.

These facts are relevent examples of why a modern Asian decor should include bronze art on some level.  Bronze art gives a room an authentic and historic look.  It reminds Asian people of the distinguished past now long since vanished.  It is a connection to the timeless.  It is an important link to be appreciated.  A gifted Asian decorator will be able to use bronze in very creative ways!

Harlan Urwiler

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

The Bronze Age Revisited

In the western world people do not generally think of bronze sculpture as a fine material to create incredible works of art.  However, when you consider the history of ancient China it is a very different story.  Chinese bronze are of the second and first millenia BC was one of the most incredible discoveries made in the whole scope of world art.  It all began a long, long time ago with the invention of a fascinating new material.  This material was "bronze."  It proved to be a very useful alloy made of copper and tin.  Through the careful mixing and melting of certain ores in different proportions, bronze was carefully created.  It turned out to be more hard, more lasting, and more colorful than anything else.

Today, we are not really a hundred percent sure if the secret of making bronze was brought to China from the West and Central Asia.  It is certainly a possibility that this happened, but it is very difficult to prove from the archeological evidence at hand.  In these regions, the material bronze seems to have appeared earlier than it did in China.  No matter where it originated, the Chinese used bronze differently than in other places.  In the West bronze was used for weapons and production tools.  However, in the Middle Kingdom bronze was employed for rituals and made into elegant vessels.  This fact itself might give the West a very different perspective on the subject of the "Bronze Age!"

Harlan Urwiler

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

Rabbit Folklore

It is no secret that Chinese people use many symbols.  These symbols are important.  They represent a variety of aspirations.  Some people have unique and specific goals for their future.  Other people have a sincere desire to make a better life for themselves.  Nearly every one wants to have a prosperous and happy career.  In fact, some of these symbols are reminders of the ancient stories and important events that relate to Chinese history.  Other symbols prompt people to pursue success in business and relationships.

The rich culture of China is more than five thousand years old.  The earliest literature of China is folklore.  Chinese folklores existed even before characters began to be written down!  The tradition of telling and re-telling these folklores was passed from generation to generation.  Long before they were put into written form, many of these old stories became so well known that they earned the status of "proverbs."  Proverbs are simply short saying that teach values.  These proverbs began to be taught in schools!  Consequently, they became part of the culture of China.  Ordinary people often quote them in ordinary conversation or in writing today.

Ancient Chinese people did not understand science the way we do today.  They made up stories to explain the frustrations and troubles of their lives due to harsh natural disasters or weather changes.  Their hope was that with time their lives might change.  Taken as a whole, their stories were beautiful and touching.  The tales nearly all stressed positive ideals.  In the story "Wait Next to the Tree for the Rabbit" the rabbit plays a critical role in teaching the value of diligence and hard work.  So the tiny rabbit symbol even has a place in Chinese folklore!

Harlan Urwiler

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

That Very Sweet Chinese Rabbit!

The Chinese Zodiac sign is well known.  After all, 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit.  In case you do not know, the Zodiac symbols describe the qualities of people based on their sign.  The sign is assigned depending on which year you were born.  A person who is born in the Year of the Rabbit is said to be more conservative.  They want security.  The problem for a person with this sign is that always choosing safety over risk sometimes means missing great opportunities.  However, when a rabbit person believes in what they are doing, they can be very serious and determined about pursuing their goal to the end!

Rabbit people are also said to be very sentimental and compassionate toward others.  They are moved by personal problems that a friend might share with them.  In fact, it is easy to make them cry.  When it comes to love affairs, rabbit people are a favorite choice for those seeking deep, intimate love.  Such people are romantic and sweet.  They are faithful, so they never lack potential lovers.  Even so, rabbit people are in great need of trust and tenderness.  They desire to create an intimate and happy atmosphere in the relationship.

The lucky Chinese rabbit has a special meaning for people.  The popular nature of the rabbit has made it a desired symbol in China.  So if you are a rabbit person (or know someone who is) consider this figurine or ornament as an ideal gift.  Any one can enjoy the rabbit.  It does not matter who they are!  Good luck and happy hunting!

Harlan Urwiler

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

Today's Chinese Divorce Culture

The modern Chinese woman has achieved much more than people may have once thought.  She has more freedom and more financial security than the women of her mother's and grandmother's time.  Chinese women travel across the world for employment, even marriage to foreigners, these days.  However, despite the positive effects of the new power women have earned there remain social concerns in China about the rising phenomenom of divorce.  As an example, many Beijing residents will tell you that one of the most costly changes in society is the increase of the instances of divorce.  Accoring to the Beijing Youth Daily, the divorce rate in the Forbidden City rose to 24.4 percent in 1994.  That was more than double the rate four years prior.  The national divorce rate in China is now 10.4 percent.

For women in Beijing, the expanding divorce rate is a reflection of the new freedom and empowerment of the modern time.  It is also evidence that women bring new expectations to marriage.  More than 70 percent of divorces are initiated by women, according to divorce lawyers in China.  The common reason given is that the husband has had an affair with another woman.  In the past, Chinese women may have remained in this type of marriage for a lifetime.  This is not the situation any more.  When a husband cheats, the wife now divorces!

The Asian woman of China is making great strides in many areas today, most of which were totally closed her even one generation ago.  However, along with the greater freedom has come another new challenge.  As the role of Chinese women has changed, so has the nature of human relationships which would include marriage and family.  A woman has to ask herself what kind of marriage she is looking for.  She must understand what her expectations are, and if she will be happy even if her expectations are met.  The modern Asian woman of today has more freedom.  In addition, she also has more responsibility for her own happiness... and that of her family!

Harlan Urwiler

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

The Westernized Asian Woman

Chinese women today have experienced movement in regard to the rights and privileges of women in society.  This has been particularly true during the latter part of the modern era of communism.  Women have continued to enjoy the political power as they did under Chairman Mao.  However, the women of China also begn to discover the influence of foreign music, movies, and popular western culture.  It has been during this period that Chinese women began to abandon the traditional fashion trends of old China.  They instead started to adopt the newer fashions which were largely imported from the western world. 

During this same period, Chinese women started to acquire new ideas about life and relationships.  These new ideas were never a part of traditional Chinese culture.  These ideas would include having the choice to marry the man of their choice, or to remain a single mom.  In the 1990s a growing number of women began to depart from China in large numbers for higher education and employment in the West.  As result, these women achieved more independence than the women of China had ever had before.  This sort of independence is totally out of harmony with with traditional Chinese society.  Women had to take care of themselves in foreign countries far removed from the land of China.  Not surprising is the fact that women have played an enormous role in the development and success of "Chinatowns" in many western cities.

So the Asian woman of China is poised to enjoy more freedom in relationships, employment, and life than many thought possible.  She is to be commended for the hard work, sacrifice, and determination that it has taken to journey this long and hard road.  It is still the middle of the story about the future of the Asian woman in the western world.  There is more to be written... much more!

Harlan Urwiler

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

The Gift of Asian Womanhood

The modern Asian woman has achieved much.  More and more, there has come greater equality with men in many economically developing countries throughout East Asia.  One prominent example of this phenomena is the experience of modern Chinese society.  Chinese women today have greater economic, educational, and social opportunities than ever.  The evidence of this is without dispute and exists in abundance.  Without any doubt, the Asian woman of China has greater freedom and financial opportunity.  However, this was not always the case in China.

In ancient Chinese society women were generally confined to the home.  Young girls were usually treated as a liability.  When they reached the age when it was possible for them to marry, they were given to another family after an arrangement had been made between their parents.  Therefore, women in old China had virtually no say in who would be their husband or what direction their life would take thereafter.  Women had no real influence or control over their own destiny.  Women were expected to passively submit to the unfair realities of the world in which they lived with no complaint.  This was the bitter role that ancient China forced upon its women.

The first real positive change for Chinese women came during the republic years under the Nationalist government.  It was during this time that women in the major cities acquired the right to receive formal education.  Naturally, Chinese women cherished this opporunity and took advantage of it whenever it was possible.  The chance to study in the same classroom as men was a delight!  It would turn out to be a great initial advancement for the cause of women's rights in China.  So by the time communism achieved success in 1949, the unequal distinction between men and women was eroded even more.  Women were given the opportunity to seek education.  They also began to hold jobs in society.  It was under Mao Ze Dong that many women began to hold important political positions.  In fact, women even began to exercise their influence in many ways.

The gift of womanhood is something to be deeply cherished and genuniely appreciated.  Asian women have stepped on to the world stage and are now equal participants in the drama of history.  As such, women with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or any other East Asian heritage are fully responsible for their choices, actions, and decisions.  To leave behind the boundaries of the past is to look forward into the broad scene ahead called the "future."  What will yours be like?

Harlan Urwiler

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

Challenge of the Transplanted Modern Asian Woman

The challenge for the modern Asian woman, living in the West, is complicated.  The Asian woman will find it hard to acquire the right clothing, decor, food, and fashion to suit her needs.  The problem is seen most easily in the area of clothing.  Asian women will come to find that most of the clothing in their own country best compliments their skin tone and figures perfectly.  In hotter climates, bright colors like orange and strong neutrals help offset the tan complexions.  In Japan, for instance, clear and strong pastels bring out a woman's porcelain complexion.

So when an Asian woman goes overseas to the West, she immediately encounters the problem of trying to find suitable clothing.... among other things!  This problem extends to nearly all areas of life.  When it comes to the challenge of home decor, the problem is often very much the same.  It may appear that there is a large selection of Asian-styled gifts and decorating items for sale in many stores.  There are many websites on the internet advertising genuine, imported collectibles, jewelry, furniture, and other items all from various parts of Asia.  In some ways, the internet market makes things somewhat more difficult because there is such a huge array to choose from.  However, not everything is of the particular style or taste you may desire no matter where it comes from.

It is my belief that the Asian woman shopper must connect with herself on a personal level first.  She must know "who" she is and "what" she is looking for.  Buying imported, authentic decor is a step in the right direction to be sure.  This is the best way to avoid higher costs and the wasted time of waiting for something to arrive from overseas.  Since all Asian women are unique, there is a whole spectrum of clothing, gifts, jewelry, collectibles, furnishings, paintings, food, and decor available for the woman who is patient and informed.  With time, careful planning, and wise purchasing, you can create an Asian home that is beautiful in whatever ethnic taste you love!

Harlan Urwiler

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

Geisha Songs

A white fan spreading out, lasting forever, the firm pledges like the silver node of the fan, shimmering in shadows
The boughs of pine trees, the splendid leafy color of deep green, the clearness of the pond in the garden approached, undisturbed by waves of wind, the surface of the water
What an enivable life,
don't you think?

I got up and opend the shoji screen, and looked out on the full moon night, but there was nothing there, but a cuckoo crying to himself
I know she is light and faithless, but she has come back half-repentant, and very pale and very sad
A butterfly needs somewhere to rest at evening

When it's the man I love, he goes by and doesn't come in but men I hate... a hundred times a day
When I pour sake for the man I love even before he drinks up I blush like a cherry blossom
You and me, we live inside an egg
Me?  I am the white
and wrap you round with my body

Tonight as I sleep alone I am on my bed of tears, like an abandoned boat on the deep sea
I dreamed we were back together
My laughter woke me up
I searched frantically all around me
My eyes full of tears

The loves of a little while ago and the smoke of tobacco little by little leave only ashes
When I've got the blues as deep as deep can be, I want to pass the rest of my life as a nun...

This is a collection of "Geisha Songs" I found from Caroline Seawright.  I hope you enjoyed reading the poetry and feeling their meaning.  Warmest regards!


Harlan Urwiler

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

The True Jade

Jade is the word applied to forms of jadeite and nephrite.  Such minerals as these are quite alike in appearance.  Sometimes the correct distinction between them is not properly made.  Jadeite today brings in higher prices than nephrite.  Therefore, jadeite tends to be thought of as the "true" jade.  The primary reason for this is due to the fact that jadeite has more intense color and translucency than nephrite.  The most valuable form of jade is known as "Imperial Jade."  This material originates in Myanmar.  It is a beautiful emerald green color.  In addition, jade also comes in mottled green and white as well as the more rare colors of yellow, pink, purple, and black.  The green type are light to dark, creamy, gray, and white.

A leek green type of jade is called "Russian jade."  It is found near Lake Baikal in Russia.  Jade is also found in Mexico, and Central and South America.  It has long been a desirable material for carving because of its smooth and even texture.  Jade is generally cut into cabochons for jewelry.  The color of the stone is very important.  However, the translucency and texture are more indicative when it comes to setting an actual price. 

As will all pieces of jewelry, it is important to keep your jade ornaments and jewelry clean.  Keep your jade ornament in the custom made case when you are not wearing it.  Use only a soft cloth to clean your jade pendant.  Other kinds of cloth may scratch it.  Do not use household chemicals on your jade ornament.  Use the suggested cleaning solution instead.  By doing this you will preserve that jade pendant for a lifetime.  It will be a precious gift to pass on to your children and grandchildren.  It will have a special meaning for your whole family!  Good luck!

Harlan Urwiler

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

The Beautiful and Powerful Jade Pendant

Jade is a very elegant and beautiful stone.  It is used to create some of the most attractive kinds of jewelry known to people all over the world.  Jade is often considered to be the gemstone of love and hope.  It has been said by many that jade spreads love from the person wearing it to the other people around them.  It can also signify hope for a particular person which the wearer is concerned about.  No matter what the purpose is for wearing a jade ornament, Jade is a very lovely and interesting piece of Asian jewelry.

The power of the Jade pendant is a documented fact.  Human beings have thought jade to possess remarkable qualities for many centuries.  Asian people, in particular, believe that wearing jade is the way that they can be protected from bad events, evil spirits, grave danger, or misfortune in general.  Jade ornaments are also used to symbolize wealth and prosperity.  A Buddhist might say that jade is regarded as a personal talisman against evil.  It will keep harm away, but good luck will stay nearby.  In China the jade culture has a long and old history.  Nowhere else is jade believed to be so important as it has always been in China.  Chinese people believe jade to have power to bring good luck.  Of course!  However, jade can also be considered (according to some) as a way to communicate with God!

In the legends and folklores of China, wearing a jade pendant protected people from all kinds of harm down through the centuries.  It is believed to protect vital organs of the body too.  It will protect the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart, larynx, thymus, and thyroid.  So, in the Chinese experience, jade is both fashionable to behold and a powerful ally to wear on one's body.  There are several different types of jade in China, but Hetian Jade is the most famous of all.  Whatever reason you may have for wearing a Jade Pendant, I sincerely wish you the best of luck, long life, and prosperity in all you do.  Most of all, happy shopping!

Harlan Urwiler

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