China
Blue-Green Lucky Horse| China | Post Qing Dynasty 1930’s $2,200.
To begin to understand and appreciate Chinese art, one must also have an understanding of the social, political, economic, religious and cultural atmosphere of the period as well. To simply understand the clay, climate, kilns, pottery, decorations and shapes is not enough. Without further understanding of the spirit (regarding both the piece of work as well as the artist), one could never grasp the full impact of these ancient pieces of art and their tranquil beauty.
chinese medicine cabinet
To look back as far as the Neolithic and Stone Age periods (5000-1500BC) one can find in China extremely important, well-crafted, hand-painted, glazed and fired vessels used to carry food and drink. These pieces were not only used for their utilitarian value but for their ceremonial and domestic uses as well.
If one were to look at most of the eldest societies (dating back as far as Stone Age China), one would be hard pressed to find art from Greek, Egyptian or Aboriginal societies representing the same sophistication of material, construction and firing, let alone the beautifully delicate design and painting as we find in the earliest of Chinese pottery.
The Chinese are a huge population and the country is rich in resource, technology, and manpower. The arts have always maintained great value for the Chinese - value, not only monetarily, but spiritually as well. Art has always been supported by Chinese merchants, collectors, and nobles. It is for this reason that all the way up to today, we can find in Chinese culture great respect and honor offered both the art and artists alike.
Please look forward to better understanding the unique characteristics of each of the major periods and Dynasties of China, as well as Burmese, Thai, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Japan and Korea cultural artifacts and pieces of art.
