W120xL150mm, China
Paper cutout are used as decoration, it is still very popular in rural china. It is mainly practice by the girls in the village where the technique is often used as a basis to determine the skill of the bride. The paper cutout artists, however, are mostly male dominated. It can be made with scissors (often with a symmetrical pattern with folded papers) or with small chisel knifes. This cat and kitten cutout is presented on a greeting card.
W150xH150xD100mm, China
Chinese root carving is a broad term for carving that includes root, bark, knots and bamboo roots. The essence of these type of carving focuses on the natural growth of the material as well as abnormal growth. Hence, the major part of the artwork is translation from nature and with a small enhancement in detail. This type of carving is really material based, the knot, the grain, colours, etc. This particular one is a bamboo root carving of a helmet and a surrendered monster.
W120xL120mm, ChinaThis is a money pouch embroidery created by young girls not more than 12 years of age. Among other items they prepare will form part of their dowry. What is interesting of this this pouch is the design of the embroidered animals, though the original pattern might have come from the mother or great grand mother, they nevertheless captured a young girl’s perception of the world.
H170xW170xD70mm, China
In the old days, the Chinese would sit on the ground covered by a thin rice straw mat (similar to the Japanese tatami but with only the top layer). Stone or metal weights will be used to hold down the corner of the mat. These weights are normally based on animals such as lion, tiger, panther, tortoise, deer, sheep etc. The Chinese believe they will give blessing as well as protecting them from evils.
Happy Mid Autumn Festival
H1000xL1000xW300mm, China (Hong Kong)
The Mid Autumn Festival is celebrated on the night when the moon is the fullest. The full moon symbolises a reunion, a blessing for the family. The night of the festival is on the 15th of the lunar august (the day which enters into the second half of autumn). In the Southern part of China, one of the main activity of the festival is the lantern gathering; families will take a stroll with the lanterns while appreciating the fullness of the moon. The lantern take in many forms; rabbit, star fruit, gold fish, carp etc.
L230xW130xH40, China
This is a Four Season Floral Plate use specifically for presenting poultry dishes (roast duck in particular). The four season flowers are: Narcissus, Lotus, Chrysanthemum, Plum Blossom; they represented good fortune for every season.
H120xL120xW30mm, China
Tin toy was introduced into China at the turn of the century and by the 20s China has started producing tin toy. As they are durable and cheap they became the toy for many generations. The name tin toy came from the fact that it is made from thin sheets of steel plated tin which are then painted over. This windup toy of a boy and a dog, this is chosen for the blog because it resemble my dog spike!
H500xW150mm, China (Chaozhou)
There are many different types of puppet in China, this is a Chaozhou wire puppet. It is called a wire puppet because it is controlled by 3 metal wire, one supports the head and the other two control the arms. Its other name “paper shadow puppet” reveals its history; at the Song dynasty the flat shadow puppet was introduced in the chaozhou region, it was later developed into 3D, as the demand from the spectators grow the paper between the puppet and the spectator is removed and the feature of the puppet refined (head, hands and feet, elaborated costumes). The head is made with clay, paper as hands, dried grass as body and wooden carved legs but the wire control remains.
L150xW120mm, China
Woodblock prints are traditionally posted to celebrate Chinese New Year, both as a decoration and as a good blessing to the household. The subject matter of the prints surrounds the idea of good fortune, this projects for household to the year ahead. On this particular print, its is written ” On the night of the wedding; when one is selected as an high ranking offical.”. This would probably symbolises the best moment in a man’s life. Adapting to modern day use, this is mounted on a greeting card, perfect for giving well wishes. (US$4)
H100x W50xD20mm, China
A clay monkey toy with the figure of mother and baby monkey painted on. The figurine is made from 2 pieces of clay joined together by a piece of sheep skin. When flexing it will make a sound of a monkey. This is a traditional toy for kids. (US$4)
Mountain Folkcraft 