DIA150xH120mm, Hong Kong
The perfect mystery gift! This ceramic coin jar has been completely packed with coins and notes and used to belonged to a great grand aunt of mine who passed away in the 80s. For the family it seems to be a waste to break this time capsule, the pieces we managed to wiggle out from the top are a 1 dollar bill of 1959 and 50 cent coin of 1965, see the very young Queen’s portrait? The current Hong Kong bills are of course without the Queen’s head.
DIA60xH60mm, China
Here is another stationary for the Chinese calligraphy – a water drip for grinding and dilution of the ink. It has a small water inlet and an outlet, the inlet acts also as suction control for the water flow.
W100xH50, China
This is holder for Chinese ink brush, the concept has been around for 1500 years (its hard to imagine otherwise as the ink brush is quite a messy object without it). There are many different design and material, the ceramic mountain has been a popular design since the Ming dynasty. Funny enough, there are brush holders that are named after mountains but also also mountains that are named as “brush holder”, in Hong Kong (Beacon Hill), in Liao Ning, Qing Hai, Si Chuan, Fu Jian and of course the most famous mount on Huang Shan.
L400xW250xH250mm, Hong Kong (NOT FOR SALE)
For our dog Spike’s birthday we have on the blog a pottery I made (hand built + hollow out). Some of you might have seen the little fellow in the shop running about. For those who are spike or sealyham terrier fans, here is his blog:
http://spiketang.wordpress.com/
W150xL200xH150mm, China
This is a hand built pottery; a woven basket in the form of a traditional Chinese bamboo creel.
DIA200xH70mm, China
This is a bowl is called the vegetarian bowl, it is used for containing offerings for the Buddhist and Taoist gods on the individual god’s festival, new year and the day that marks the 16th and 21th birthday of a boy. The offering would be of dried fruits, nuts, cakes, etc., presented in the form of a cone. There is an old saying for people with intention, “coming not to worship the Buddha but to have a look at the offering bowls”.
H120xW120mm, China
This is a green glazed shade of an oil lamp, the shade act as a guard for fire prevention and fuel saving device. Its other function is to keep the hungry mouse from consuming the precious oil.
H40xW40mm, China
TRICK OR TREAT?
This is part of a set of the zodiac animals clay gu gu toy. They are called gu gu because they are whistle toy and makes “gu gu” sound. Traditionally families would gather to hand build them together after the harvest season in the winter. The gu gu normally has a black base colour and highlighted with bright colours but unlike the other clay toys they are glazed and then fired. Happy Halloween!
H180xW180mm, China
In the south western part of China days are long and hot, people especially labourer require large quantity of liquid to replenish. In the Qing dynasty, small “two cents” tea houses are quite popular in Guangzhou. These tea houses, furnished only with a few tables and benches, are frequented by coolie taking their breaks and sharing their stories. Hearty food, sweets and tea would be served which is in fact the origin of the morning dim sum. This kind of Shi Wan green glazed teapot would be found in such tea houses.
Man H400xW150mm, China
This is a story about Zhang Chang, a noble official in the Han Dynasty who kept the country at peace for many years. Being faithful and out spoken, others officials were jealous and would find faults in him to report to the Emperor. Zhang’s wife was beautiful, everyday Zhang would touch up her eyebrow before going to work. His rivals reported this to the Emperor and when he was questioned, he answered “there are more ridiculous thing a married couple would do in the bedroom, please ask me only about my duty, what I do with my wife is only my business.” Because of the nature of the story, it is a very popular subject for work of art. The Shi Wan area is famous for its pottery; its beautiful colour glaze, the fine detail and the capture of the gestures.
Mountain Folkcraft 