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This Tibetan Repoussé image presents various symbols of the Enlightenment of the Shakyamuni-Buddha. He sits within a trefoil arch on a lotus base (padmapitha) under the bodhi tree in bhumisparsha mudra (earth witnessing or hand touching position) symbolizing the moment of his enlightenment legs bent in (padmasana). The detailed trefoil arch surrounding the Buddha’s head…
Most Hindus have images of one or more murtis (gods and goddesses) on their home altar to help them in their daily prayers (puja), focus their attention and help visualize them. A murti is treated with the utmost respect, care and reverence but devotees never worship the objects and instead use them used only to…
Sawankhalok in north-central Thailand is an area that had a large ceramic kiln production during the Sukhothai Kingdom (1238-1583). When Ming emperors forbade export of Chinese ceramics from 1368-1487, known as the Ming Gap, Thailand became a major ceramics producer and exporter to Southeast Asia, Japan and the Middle East. During the 14th and 15th…
During the Qing Dynasty Chinese officials were so significant that families often sought to portray an ancestor as an official in carved and painted images. This image reflects many of the common characteristics of ancestor-figures discussed by Stuart and Rawaski who write that ancestors were portrayed these official as if they are deities or rulers …
The Senufo, numbering between 1.5 and 2.7 million people in West Africa, are primarily agricultural. They live in mud-brick farm houses in large villages and are renown as remarkable musicians, creators of wood figures, masks and metalwork tribal-art. For centuries, they like many groups created arm and ankle bracelets as symbols of wealth and status…
The Senufo of Mali number between 1.5 and 2.7 million people in West Africa and are primarily agricultural. They are renown as remarkable musicians and carvers of wood figures and masks. For centuries the Senufu created metalwork arm and ankle bracelets that were symbols of wealth and status, fashion adornments used ceremonially for births, coming…
Decorative every day Shiwan ware pieces are recognized for their fine craftsmanship, vivid expression, and colorful apple-green and drip glazes. Shiwan potters mixed waste materials with local and inexpensive clay – one of the earliest artistic forms of recycling. Shiwan chopsticks holders are unique kitchen accessories, especially as wedding gifts.
Kyo Ware (Kyoto or Kiyomizu ware), the world-famous pottery made in Kyoto, Japan near the Kiyomizu Temple is an important and historic Buddhist monument and UNESCO Heritage Site. Designated as one of the Traditional Crafts of Japan by the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, teaware, including teapots, teacups, pouring-vessels and items for the Japanese…
Guanyin means “she who observes the sounds or cries of the world” and in Sanskrit she is named Padmapani or “born of the lotus.” She is one of the Three Great Chinese Goddesses (Irwin). During the Late Ming and Qing Dynasties in rural provincial regions and especially Southern China, Guanyin became a syncretic cult figure…
Tudi Gong is one of the Chinese Earth-Gods referred to by many names including the Land God or Village God and often fondly referred to as “Grandpa.” He is a syncretic deity defined by the blend of Taoism, Buddhism, Popular Religion and Confucian traditions, and as a tutelary deity is responsible for administrating and protecting…
Chinese stone weights have been used for millennia as measurement that were standardized with each dynasty. There were also local applications as a non-standardized weight, securing a picnic cloth, keeping a scholar’s calligraphy paper immobile and as a garden accessory. These antique Chinese stone carvings were often auspicious shapes like animals, fruit, and vegetation. During…
Shiwan stoneware wall-pockets “vases” were used as functional items to hold things like flowers and chopsticks and were in most Chinese homes by the late Qing Dynasty. In addition to their usefulness, they reflecting the Chinese belief that having objects with auspicious images fills your home with favorable and optimistic energy (chi). This is very…
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