The Beauty of Classical in the Contemporary

To investigate the past is to better understand human nature.  After all, in the past (especially the ancient past) all the strengths and weaknesses of humanity are vividly portrayed for us.  Our connection with those people from the past is often more personal than we might want to think.  Human beings have loved, hated, encouraged each other, envied, lusted, and sacrificed for the same reaons throughout time.  When it comes to the subject of Asian art, this grand truth is demonstrated plainly for us.  In fact, the ancient works of the past have given a basis for the art we still enjoy today.

To know the gold and jade figurines of the famous Qin dynasty of China is a very interesting study for this reason.  The first gold figures of the Qin known to modern students are a number of thin gold sheets.  These sheets were made to form the shapes of animals and other geometric forms.  These particular gold leafs were made to embellish coffins.  However, their superior sophistication strongly suggests that the Qin's love for gold got started very early.  Naturally, gold was not just used for human ornaments.  It was also used for luxury pieces like the reins used by horses, chariot decorations, and even belt buckles!  The belt buckles were often made to resemble the head of a mandarin duck and there was another made in the shape of seven coiled serpents.  In addition, gold tigers have also been discovered in ther relic collection of the Qin dynasty.

The Qin emperor also inherited a rich legacy of jade carvings.  Qin jade demonstrates a special quality which is very distinctive.  These are in the form of art pieces which come in the shape of rectangular plaques and circular pendants.  The use of gold and silver as well as jade for luxuries became more and more commonplace over time in ancient China.  Even so, it was still the early developments and innovations which served as crucial foundations for the maturity which occurred during the reign of the first Qin emperor.

To know the decor of ancient China is a wise pursuit for the serious Asian collector.  China has influenced most of East Asian culture (and beyond) at one time or another in history.  To understand the meaning and relevance of any Asian decor scheme, it is a good idea to know something about the Middle Kingdom.  The classical still speaks to us today in the contemporary.  Someone has said, There is nothing new under the sun.  This is an undeniable truth for the human race!

Harlan Urwiler

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