A traditional Chinese hamper for delivering delicious goodies. Unlike the gift hamper that one receive nowadays, the hamper is not a part of the gift and would need to be return to the owner. Not only is it return but it is also expected to contain a red packet, a return gift in monetary form, “砸籃” (weighting the basket). In the traditional Cantonese gift etiquette, when receiving a food item as a gift, one would give a red packet to the giver, this is known as “砸” (za), the term that originate from the gift basket.
Typhoon Usagi just departed and its raining cats and dogs but this umbrella is probably too delicate to embrace the serve weather – a paper umbrella!
The paper is made from mulberry tissue paper coated with tung oil (oil extracted from the fruit of tung tree, Aluerites fordii Hemsi). The structure is made delicately with bamboo. These umbrellas are very durable, I had a plain dark blue one which lasted through my teen years.
You probably have one of those ergonomic mouse pad with a gel support at the wrist? Well, this is the traditional waist rest for Chinese calligraphy, not only does it support the arm, it also prevents the ink from rubbing onto the sleeves and the perspiration of the hand from making the paper moist. This member of the stationary is called a “Bi Ge”, arm rest. The name “Bi Ge” apparently came from the imperial chamber for secret books, also pronounced as “Bi Ge”.
Now for the second surprise, the material of this Bi Ge is not bamboo but ceramic!
This bamboo weaved basket is known as a Wu Fu, a basket for storing charcoal for brewing tea. It use can be dated back to the “Book of Tea” by the Tang Dynasty scholar Gu yuan Qing. The name Wu Fu is sophisticated way of refer to the charcoal basket, the word “wu” means black, dirt – which is the charcoal, the word “fu” is a grand mansion – the humble basket.
A lacquered bamboo weaved basket which forms part of the dowry of the young bride and an essential household object. These form of baskets are used for storing food before the arrival of the refrigerator. Precious food item like fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, would be placed inside the basket and hung under the beam of the kitchen. The basket provide good airing and being suspended will stopped vermin from reaching the food.
This is a bamboo weaved basket used for chabana, flower arrangement for tea ceremony. The flower arrangement would be placed in the alcove of the room, using a seasonal flowers, narrow and tall vase made of natural material such as bamboo, ceramics or metal. The flower arrangement is also less formal than Ikebana, using little or decorative fillers material. Chabana developed from the Ikebana style Nageire, where flowers are thrown into the vase giving the viewer the same impression as they would have if they had been in the wild. The simple arrangement would have one single blossom, arranged to be leaning toward the guest.
This bamboo weaved basket is known as a kratip, a container for cooked sticky rice. They are a common item owned by every household. The kratip is double weaved, acting as a insulator for keeping the rice warm. Kratip comes in different shape and sizes, here is a smaller version.
The plum blossom has been an object of admiration by the scholars of China. Along with the orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo, the 4 gentlemen plants have been a constant subject for artistic creation from poem, verses to painting and carvings. Each of the 4 are given an individual personality; the plum blossom – noble arrogance, orchid – eternal elegance, chrysanthemum – cool glamour, bamboo – humble but dignify.
The inkstone being a treasured item of a traditional scholar is a place to be decorated.
Now, nothing to do with noble arrogance but isnt he the sweetest … with the plum blossoms on his head.
DIA300xH450mm, China
Mountain Folkcraft 