W130xH160mm, Hong Kong
A papercut out.
Portrait of a child.
Reminded me of my childhood outfit for Chinese New Year.
Covered in head to in red traditional costume.
Archives for category: paper
W220xL300mm, China
This is a new year print of (Hu) San Tai Yi 胡三太爷, one of the home protectors worshiped in the villages in the North East China. The most famous ones are saint Hu (胡) and Huang (黄), both Hu and Huang is a common Chinese surname, it is however referring to two animals the fox (狐狸) “Hu Li” and the weasel (黄鼬) “Huang You”. Out of respect, their real identity is disguised and humanized. San Tai Yi, is the most powerful home protector, he is the brother of the legendary Nine Tails Fox Goddess who helped Yu the Great to calm the floods in prehistoric China (2200BC).
W160xH220mm, Japan
This is an ukiyo-e print depicting a courtesan of Yoshiwara playing a game of go (published 1910s)
In the Edo period, the Yoshiwara area (now the modern Asakusa of Tokyo) was the only district of pleasure that was licensed. Unlike other red light districts in the world, courtesans are trained to be cultured, to be the ideal companion; waka poetry, the game of go, chess, playing cards, calligraphy, ikebana, tea ceremony, incense ceremony and other things.
W220xL300mm, China
This new year print is normally found in the village schools for the worship of Confucius.
Confucius is sitting in the middle holding a gui, an element of statue. On the two sides are the 4 sages, notable Confuciusm figures; Yan Hui (顏回), Zi Si (子思), Zeng Zi (曾子) and Mencius (孟子). Apart from Mencius, the other 3 are the favorite student of Confucius. Mencius was born about 100 years after the death of Confucius and was a student of Confucius’s grandson. Mencius was expanding Confucius’s philosophy.
As in the wood block print, the 4 sages are normally seen along side with Confucius in the temples of Confucius.
W220xL300mm, China
There is a believe that there are gods living in the mountain, the woods and the streams; to ensure a safe journey, one would worship these gods before entering the mountain or travelling by boat.
In this wood block print, on the right is the mountain god, on the left his wife, around them their guards and maids.
W220xL300mm, China
A Taoist wood block print entitled “Heaven Earth Dragon Carriage”.
On the left of the print is Yuan Shi Tian Zun, the supreme Taoist deity, together with Tai Shang Lao Jun and Ling Boa Tian Zun formed the 3 Pure Ones. On the right of the print is the Jade Emperor, the God who creates the system of nature and the universe. Jade Emperor sits inside his dragon carriage and around them the 4 guards; Wang Ling Tian Jun, Pu Hua Tian Jun, General Li, Marshal Zhao. This new year print is used to bless of journey in vehicles, it is also used on the wedding day after the bride was picked up by the groom’s car, the couple would need to thank the gods for providing a safe journey.
DIA115xH65mm, Thailand
This curious circular lacquer tray has been a puzzle for me, I cannot figure out what was the original usage for such item. The material of the tray is very delicate, made with paper and a semi transparent lacquer.
If anyone know of the origin and usage of this tray, please let me know!
Other unsolved mystery.
This is going to be my next Something Old Something New project, stay tune!
Previous items: Coconut Lid Containers, Lotus Leaf Vessel.
W120xD130xH140mm, Japan
A small paper drawer for storing accessories, the outside of the box is decorated with Japanese paper. I like the details that is put into the box, the edges of the drawers are covered with a tougher brown paper and metal draw pull just complete the miniature version.
Mountain Folkcraft 