W360xL330mm, China
It is believed that Tai Shang Lao Jun is the spiritualization of Lao Zi, the founder of Taoism. He is one of the Three Pure Ones, together with Yuan Shi Tian Zun and Ling Boa Tian Zun, they formed the Taoist trinity forms the fundamental of Taoism. Tai Shang Lao Jun is the body of Taoism, the origin of Chi (the heaven and the earth), the nature system and order.
W310xH220, Japan
A limited comtempory Japanese wood block print by the artist Masaya, entitled the New Green.
W300xH380mm, China
Today, the fifth day of the Chinese New Year, is the day to welcome God of Wealth. Traditionally, early in the day one will heard drums and gongs, fire crackers from the shops as well as a fest of food to invite the God of Wealth for visit, some might even go through the trouble of welcoming him early in the night so to make sure he will not be going anywhere else.
On this new year print there are 2 Gods of Wealth, one academic and one martial. The god of wealth is a title, it is not attributed to a single saint but a handful of saints. The Academic God of Wealth has the task of delivering wealth and commonly refers to Fan Li and Bi Gan, both a loyal and wealth character who helps out with country and the poor. The Martial God of Wealth is responsible for safe guarding the wealth, they are General Zhao Gong Ming and General Guan Yu, both legendary fighters.
See our other God of Wealth.
W400xH760mm, China
Once again, its the time of the year to thank the Kitchen God.
It is believed that at the beginning of every Chinese New Year, on lunar January 4th, the Jade Emperor will sent the Kitchen God to monitor the activities of each household (a bit like the NSA, I guess) and at the end of the year, lunar December 24th, the Kitchen God will depart to make his annual report back to the Jade Emperor. To thank his for a year’s hard work, before his departure a special meal will be prepared for him.
If you still havent prepare the farewell dinner, hurry up before he leaves!
See our other Kitchen God pints.
W130xH100mm, China
Wishing you a happy 2014!
W410xL690mm, China
This is a Yang Liu Qing print on the subject of “Searching for Plum Blossoms in the Snow”. The phrase is generally used to described scholars appreciation and effort with poety. The old man on the donkey is Meng Hao Ran, a Tang dynasty poety; he is known to have gotten his inspiration from ploughing through the snow on the Ba Qiao Bridge in Xian.
The new issue of Ha Wan Po has arrived!
Ha Wan Pao is a monthly paper about people who make beautiful things. whether they’re making comic books, tofu or shoes; what they have in common is the quiet pursuit of excellence.
And guess what Mountain Folkcraft is featured in this issue.
Come and get your copy now!
H370xW260mm, China
Still haven’t made plans for your X’mas holidays?
The Jin Ze Arts Centre is offering an intensive weaving workshop over the festive season.
A joyful course in the tranquil setting will be a nice change from X’mas turkey and hours in front of the telly.
To find out more about the event:
http://www.jinze.org/events-sub.php?serial=1
You can now also find the Han Wan Po at Mountain Folkcraft.
Ha Wan Pao is a monthly paper about people who make beautiful things. whether they’re making comic books, tofu or shoes; what they have in common is the quiet pursuit of excellence.
Ha Wan (下環) is an old name for wanchai – the hong kong neighbourhood where the project was born.
hwp is created by anna gleeson with contributions from furze chan.
Its a very interested paper and we love it, come and get a copy!
W320xH420mm, China
A mirror painting of a still life.
Though unintentional by the artist, there is something rather modern about the painting; the lack of shadow, the flatten objects, the solid colour, lack of detail and the sharp outline of the objects.
Reminded me of Patrick Caulfield’s work.
Mountain Folkcraft 