The Rise of Eastern Culture in the West

The current interest in contemporary Eastern decor throughout much of the Western world should not be overlooked.  One of the most prolific of these influences is indeed the art and culture of China.  It is no secret that China has had a profound interchange with a large part of East Asia and beyond.  Its five thousand years of history certainly demonstrates the positive and negative events surrounding its historic influence.  So there is a definite advantage to understanding the nature of Chinese art to begin the journey into Eastern decorating.

Most people don't realize that Chinese art got its start in America during the decade of the 1920s.  When many Americans think of this time period, we conjure up these vague images about financial indulgence leading to the stock market crash of 1929.  However, most of us were not alive during this time so we must rely on history book photos to give an impression.  Nevertheless, the fact is that Chinese artwork went on display in several noteworthy museums during the "Roaring 1920s."  So the culture and art of China (as well as other Asian artworks) is really nothing new for America today.  Eastern culture has been alive and well in North America for quite some time!

Best regards from the East,

Harlan Urwiler

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