In many ways, it has felt like a long, cold, dark, wet Winter, but there is no mistake now that the days are getting longer, the Magnolia is beginning to bloom and the temperature is tentatively starting to rise. Spring is on its way and with that, it is time for the latest edition of our quarterly Oriental Art-inspired Newsletter.
In this edition, we mark the start of the New Lunar Year by telling “The Tale of the Four Dragons”, one of the most popular Chinese folk stories. We shine a light on one of our favourite characters of Japanese legend, “The Shojo” and we showcase two magnificent Meiji-era Metal works, each steeped in symbolism and hidden meaning.
As it is Spring time, we take a trip into our archives and revisit last years’ blog about the Cherry Blossom and the significance of “Sakura” in Japan and across the world.
We also take a look inside the gallery at some of the works of art that have been added to our website over the last few months and we offer a preview of some of the fascinating arrivals that will be coming to our website in the coming weeks.
We hope you enjoy the read.
Kevin Page Oriental Art
The Lunar New Year of the Dragon
Back at the beginning of February we joined billions of people worldwide in celebrating the Chinese New Year and with it, the dawn of the Year of the Dragon. You can see our blog about the Lunar Year by clicking here and you can read our telling of the popular Chinese folk story, “The Tale of the Four Dragons” by clicking here or on the image below.
Sakura: The phenomenon of Cherry Blossom in Japan
As Winter draws to a close and Spring brings with it new life and new beginnings, we take a look back at last years’ popular article celebrating Cherry Blossom and its significance in Japanese life. Revisit the blog by clicking here or on the photograph below.
Our featured works for January and February:
Each month, we select one work from our collection of Chinese and Japanese Fine Art and Antiques to be our “Featured item of the month”. It may be that it is a fascinating new addition to the collection or a really masterful work of art full of symbolism and fine craftsmanship. In January, we highlighted this Monumental Iron dish by Isshinsai and Tojin and depicting a breath-taking image of a fearsome Temple Guardian. Click on the below image to read more about this wonderful example of Meiji-era metalwork.
and in February, we shone the light on this characterful Bronze Okimono group depicting a pair of wrestling Lion Dogs. Again, click on the image to see more.
A look inside the gallery:
Each month we add fascinating new pieces to our website and since our last Newsletter back in December, we have introduced some stunning Japanese Silver ware, a selection of beautiful Okimono, some wonderful ceramics and many more treasures from our collection of Chinese and Japanese Fine Art and Antiques. Click on any of the images below to see all the recent arrivals on our website.
First glance:
We recently had our photographer, (the very talented Sam Barnes) in the gallery capturing a selection of fantastic Japanese works of art and we will be introducing some of these to our website in the coming days and weeks. Below is a small selection as a preview for our Newsletter readers and you can contact us by clicking here or on any of the images below for more information on any of these pieces before they are added online.
Follow us on Instagram
Join our ever-growing community of over 3,300 Instagram followers for regular updates and fascinating insight from our collection of Chinese and Japanese Fine Art and Antiques. We regularly receive complimentary feedback about our stories and posts and our Instagram feed is a great way to learn about Oriental Art as well as to stay up to date when new pieces are added to our website. You can find us @kevinpageorient
May be of Pinterest
We recently joined the creative network that is Pinterest. You can view and stay up to date with our board by clicking here.
We hope you enjoyed our Spring Newsletter. If you missed any of the previous editions, you can read through the online archive on our website by clicking here.
Warm Regards
