As even a casual observer will tell you, there is a great
deal of variety when you consider the art that comes out of Asia. The history of
countries like Japan and China go back literally thousands of years, and by
taking a look at what these lands have to offer in the way of gorgeous antiques
is just one more way to appreciate true artistic ability, craftsmanship and
history.
Chinese art, for example, is divided into periods relating to
the dynasty that ruled the country. Chinese art can range from simple yet
exquisitely glazed ceramic bowls to the popular and incredibly beautiful jade
figurines. The Shang dynasty, for intance, was known for its blue casting, while
China as a whole maintained a long tradition of beautiful porcelain. The arrival
of Buddhism to China around 100 AD led to a great deal of religiously themed art
as well.
Japanese art, on the other hand, has a reputation for being
simpler than Chinese art, although this has not always been the case. The
Japanese aesthetic is one that has changed over the years and today, many people
associate it with grace, elegance, and a very spare, spartan beauty. One of the
areas that Japanese art is best known for, though, is in textiles, particularly
with regards to their kimonos. These robes are often one of a kind and when made
by a real master, often have their own names and infrequently worn and more
often displayed.
When you are looking for Chinese or Japanese statues to
grace your home, you'll find that there are many choose from, and that you'll
have a choice of many different materials. Both countries have elevated ceramic
and porcelain into a fine art form, and you can still find carved figurine
statues of jade, wood and stone. You can find plenty of statues of the Buddha,
of the Eight Immortals, and of the Japanese folk hero Momotaro, or you can find
statues of more homely things, like cats, dogs or children.
Upon
examination, Chinese art and Japanese art both abounds with dragons. In Asia,
these powerful, serpentine beasts were more associated with good than they are
with evil, and more connected with water than with fire. Large bodies of water
were thought to have dragons slumbering under them, and buildings are often not
built more than a certain height to make sure that dragons that live in the
mountains can see the ocean. You'll find both Chinese and Japanese art loves to
depict these creatures, who were often symbols of imperial rule.
Take
some time to take a look at the elegance and beauty that can grace your home
through the display of Asian antiques, and you'll find that you have excellent
reasons to make sure that you see what these pieces of art can bring to your
environment!
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
