The Myth of The Immortal White Snake - Part 2 (Chinese Myths)

 

I realise I might be a tad bit late, but Merry Christmas to all my Christian friends🎉 I thought I'd keep today's post light given the ongoing celebrations and long weekend.

This short video is the continuation of The Myth of the White Snake to find out if Bai Su Zhen, the white snake demon, and her love, Xu Xian, are successful in ridding themselves of the meddling monk, Fa Hai.

Enjoy!  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO6eMTKalRE

Borrowing Arrows by Straw Boats (The Three Kingdoms)

 

Zhou Yu invited Zhuge Liang over. He was wary of Zhuge Liang's talent and intelligence and had been wanting to get rid of him. He told Zhuge Liang that the army was short of 100,000 arrows and asked if Zhuge Liang could supply these arrows in 10 days.

Zhuge Liang immediately pointed out that Cao Cao would attack before then. Instead, he asked for just 3 days to fulfill Zhou Yu's request.

For 3 consecutive days, Zhuge Liang did nothing. On the third night, there was a thick fog. He got his men to fasten 20 boats together with long metal chains. 1000 straw bundles were also lashed to the side of each boat. The boats moved towards Cao Cao's naval camp in a single file. He also gave orders for the men on the boats to beat the drums and shout.

When Cao Cao got word of a night attack, he quickly prepared for a counter attack. Arrows from Cao Cao's army fell like rain onto the boats. It wasn't long before the straw bundles on the boats were bristled with arrows.

It was then that Zhuge Liang ordered the boats to turn around so that the straws would also hit the opposite side. Before retreating, his men publicly 'thanked' the Prime Minister for the arrows.

Zhuge Liang returned to Zhou Yu with his task accomplished, much to Zhou Yu's astonishment.

Zhou Yu then revealed that he had a plan to break into Cao Cao's naval camp, but wanted Zhuge Liang's opinion. Zhuge Liang suggested that they both write their ideas on their own palms and compare it against each others, and Zhou Yu agreed.

After writing their idea on their own palms, both men opened their palms and saw the word 'fire'. They were both delighted that they were on the same page.

- Compiled from the Three Kingdoms

Our Most Recently Added Item - Dec 2021

 

Description

A Fine Ge Ware Porcelain Zun Vase

Height: 27cm

To view our catalogue, please visit www.emperorsantique.com.

The History of Zisha Teapots and Why They Cost a Bomb (Chinese Teapots)

 

Watch this video to discover the history and painstaking process involved in making Zisha teapots.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EePjNxfkOg

Zhuge Liang Cleverly Provokes Zhou Yu into Action (The Three Kingdoms)

 

Zhuge Liang went to Sun Quan with the intention to provoke him. He challenged Sun Quan to either confront Cao Cao or surrender. Sun Quan in turn questioned why Liu Bei hadn't yield despite suffering a defeat.

Zhuge Liang responded by suggesting Sun Quan joined forces with Liu Bei and defeat Cao Cao by water. Undecided, Sun Quan summoned Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu was secretly in favour of going to war, but deliberately wanted to test Zhuge Liang. So, he pretended to advise Sun Quan into submission. Zhuge Liang chuckled and recited a poem (below) by Cao Cao's son, Cao Zhi.

He would have the 2 Qiaos, these beautiful ladies of Wu,

That he might rejoice with them morning and evening.

Zhuge Liang explained that Cao Cao's expedition was to take possession of the daughters of the State Patriarch Qiao. So, he theorised that if Sun Quan were to send the 2 women to Cao Cao, he would surely withdraw his army.

It turned out the younger Qiao was in fact Zhou Yu's wife, while the elder Qiao was Sun Ce's wife. Zhouge Liang had known this all along and deliberately used this provoke the men...and it worked.

Sun Quan made Zhou Yu the Commander-in-Chief to lead Lu Su and Zhuge Liang by water to the Three Gorges to build a stockade in preparation for the battle with Cao Cao.

- Compiled from The Three Kingdoms

Zhuge Liang Debates with Scholars (The Three Kingdoms)

After Cao Cao had seized Jingzhou, Sun Quan in Jiangdong was worried that Cao Cao would attack his land. He sent Lu Su to Jiangxiao to look up Liu Bei and discuss joining forces to fight Cao Cao.

At the same time, Zhuge Liang was also suggesting an alliance to resist Cao Cao's attack. He went to Jiangdong together with Lu Su to discuss their plans.

When Sun Quan received Cao Cao's letter to meet at Jiangxia to discuss wiping out Liu Bei, Sun Quan was at a loss as there was no consensus among his ministers.

The following day, Zhuge Liang had an intense debate with the scholarly ministers who proposed submission to Cao Cao. He skillfully refuted the ministers claims one by one, and left.

- Compiled from The Three Kingdoms

Our Most Recently Added Item - Nov 2021 (Junware)

Description:

A unique-shaped Jun ware.

Height: 38cm

Please go to www.emperorsantique.com to view our catalogue.

The History and Evolution of Chinese Tea (Chinese History)

Check out this video is learn more about the history of tea and how it has evolved over the different dynasties in Chinese history :p

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFYANpMqnE4

Zhang Fei Triumphed at Long Slope Bridge (The Three Kingdoms)

 

As the enemy approached, they saw Zhang Fei alone at the head of the bridge. They thought it might be an ambush. When Zhang Fei challenged Cao Cao's army to a fight to the death, they were terror-stricken, and fled.

In turned out Zhang Fei only had 20 soldiers with him. He had gotten them to run in the forest, dragging branches behind them to raise dust. This had caused the enemy to suspect they were walking into an ambush.

As he was worried Cao Cao's army would give chase, Zhang Fei gave an order to destroy the bridge. When Liu Bei heard about this, he panicked. He knew that the destruction of the bridge would be a dead giveaway about their ruse.

When Cao Cao realised he had been fooled, he immediately gave chase. Liu Bei and the rest rushed to Hanjin, with Cao Cao's army hot on their heels.

Suddenly, Guan Yu appeared with a big army of troops. It turned out Guan Yu had gone to Jiangxia for help and successfully returned with a legion of troops. He had been waiting to ambush Cao Cao and his troops under the instruction of Zhuge Liang.

Shortly after that, Zhuge Liang arrived with a line of fighting ships to send to Liu Bei to Jiangxia.

- Compiled from The Three Kingdoms

Value of 900-year old Stone Dish 'Skyrocketed' to 15million GBP! (Ru Ware)

It's interesting how a reassessment of a 900-year-old stone dish found in the British Museum collection has raised its value from £5,000 to £15 million. Delighted Regina Krahl made this discovery :p

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10107637/Archaeology-Korean-dish-revealed-rare-Imperial-Chinese-Ru-ware-ceramic-crafted-900-years-ago.html

Zhao Yun Single-handedly Saves His Lord (The Three Kingdoms)

 

Zhao Yun returned to the battlefield in search of Liu Bei's wives and son. He found Lady Gan easily and entrusted someone to bring her back to Liu Bei. He then continued his search for Lady Mi and Ah Dou.

He soon found a wounded Lady Mi and Ah Dou hiding behind a broken wall. Upon seeing him, she quickly instructed Zhao Yun to take Ah Dou and flee. Before he could convince her to leave with him, she threw herself into a well, and hurt her leg.

It turned out she wanted him to focus on getting her son safely back to Liu Bei, and Zhao Yun promised her he would do just that. He charged courageously through enemy lines and killed more than 50 soldiers in succession.

Upon reaching the Long Slope Bridge, Zhang Fei was there, waiting to take over on the battlefield while he brought Ah Dou safely back to Liu Bei.

Liu Bei was very upset that he had nearly lost a great general and threw Ah Dou onto the ground. Thankfully, Zhao Yun managed to catch him in time. Deeply moved by Liu Bei's actions, Zhao Yun vowed to work for Liu Bei from then on.

- Compiled from The Three Kingdoms

Unusual Pair of Ink Palettes Featured at Sotheby's Auction (Qing Dynasty)

 

I must admit this is my first time seeing ink palettes as unique as this pair of white, Famille Rose lotus leaf ink palettes (2:50). Definitely curious to know how much it fetched at the Sotheby's auction in April 2011 :p

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-mEHDsKAjE

Liu Bei leaves Xinye (The Three Kingdoms)

 

Not long after, Cao Cao led 500,000 troops towards Liu Bei's location. It was right around this time that Liu Biao of Jingzhou had just passed away, and his successor, Liu Zong surrendered to Cao Cao. Liu Bei took the people of Xinye with him and fled to Fancheng. But faced with persistent attacks from Cao Cao's army, he had to abandon Fancheng. He then led the people of Xinye and Fancheng towards Jiangling. Zhuge Liang sent Guan Yu to Jiangxia to borrow troops. However, after waiting in vain for more than half a month, Zhuge Liang personally led 500 troops to Jiangxia. Despite slow progress in Liu Bei's camp, he refused to forsake them. At this time, Cao Cao's vanguard troops attacked. Liu Bei quickly placed himself at the front of his troops, but they were encircled by the enemy. Suddenly, Zhang Fei broke through the tight encirclement and saved Liu Bei. Unfortunately, only slightly more than 100 of Liu Bei's troops survived the attack, much to Liu Bei's despair. - Compiled from The Three Kingdoms

Chinese Ceramic Shapes (Qing Dynasty)

Independent art advisor and former Sotheby’s specialist, Edie Hu, attempts to explain the evolution of the form and function of notable shapes from the Yidetang Collection, a selection of imperial porcelain from the reign of 3 Qing Emperors in this article.

Enjoy!

https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-origins-and-evolution-of-chinese-ceramic-shapes?locale=en

Battle at Bowang Slope (The Three Kingdoms)

 

Having engaged Kong Ming (aka Zhuge Liang) as his strategist, Liu Bei began to gather his troops and train new soldiers. Upon receiving this news, Cao Cao quickly dispatched Xiaohou Dun to lead 100,000 troops to attack Xinye.

Zhuge Liang directed the battle. The plan was to lay an ambush on the left of Bowang Slope. A flame in the south would be the signal to attack. Zhao Yun was to lead the attack from the front...and lose. The army, including Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, were furious, especially when they learnt that Zhuge Liang wasn't going to be present on the battlefield. However, Zhuge Liang had Liu Bei's support, and no one dared to defy Liu Bei.

As planned, after battling a few rounds with Xiaohou Dun, Zhao Yun pretended to feign defeat and fled. Xiaohou Dun went after him. Upon reaching the narrow road leading up to the mountains, Xiaohou Dun and his army they were surprised when they came face-to-face with Guan Yu. When they ran to the right, they ran into Zhang Fei.

Cao Cao's army suffered severe losses in the battle at Bowang Slope, and Xiaohou Dun retreated in defeat. After the battle, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were thoroughly convinced of Zhuge Liang's abilities.

- Compiled from The Three Kingdom

Our Most Recently Added Item - Oct 2021

 

Description:

Old Hu Tian Yao Vase

Height: 27cm

To view our catalogue, please visit www.emperorsantique.com.

How Jingdezhen Kilns Have Evolved Over The Centuries (Chinese Kilns)

 

Check out the video (in link below) to get a glimpse into how kilns in Jingdezhen have evolved over the centuries 😍

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTBzyeCfS3M

3 Visits to the Cottage (The Three Kingdoms)

 

When Liu Bei arrived in Longzhong, he was informed that Master Zhuge Liang wasn't in. Liu Bei left in disappointment. A few days later, a messenger came and reported that Master Zhuge was back. Upon hearing this, Liu Bei, Zhang Fei and Guan Yu immediately left for Longzhong. Unfortunately, it was very windy and snowing heavily.

When the trio finally arrived, they found a young man reading in the hall. He turned out to be Zhuge Jun, the brother of Master Zhuge Liang. He promptly informed the trio that his brother had gone on a jaunt with friends. Once again, they left disappointed.

A few days later, the trio paid Zhuge Liang a third visit. When they arrived, Master Zhuge Liang was asleep. They waited at the bottom of the stairs for what seemed like forever.

When he finally awoke, he made a dazzling appearance. Liu Bei conveyed his wish to restore the state despite his limited means, and asked Master Zhuge Liang for his guidance. Master Zhuge Liang advised Liu Bei to take possession of Jingzhou as a base, then seize Yizhou. He also advised Liu Bei to make an alliance with Sun Quan before going to battle with Cao Cao.

- Compiled from The Three Kingdoms

1,000 miles of Scenery In A Scroll (Qing Dynasty)

 

The Southern Inspection Tour scroll - 1,000 miles of scenery within a few feet of paper and one of the finest Chinese paintings remaining in the US😍

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnJBRfQL8oQ

Commanding Advisor, San Fu (The Three Kingdoms)

 

Liu Bei returned to the city. There, he met a person on the street singing a song. Upon hearing it, Liu Bei wondered if it was about the Crouching Dragon or Young Phoenix. It turned out his name was San Fu, who also turned out to be a man of ability. Liu Bei made him an advisor of the army.

Around this time, Cao Cao's general, Cao Ren, led 20,000 troops and heading towards Xinye. San Fu sent Zhang Fei and Zhao Yu to confront the enemies. San Fu suggested they launch a surprise attack on Fancheng while it was left undefended.

Cao Ren and his army were defeated by Zhang Fei and Zhao Yu, and Cao Ren fled back to Fancheng. When he was greeted by Guan Yu at the city gate, Cao Ren fled to Xuchang.

When Cao Cao learnt about Liu Bei's clever advisor, San Fu, he turned to his strategist, Cheng Yu, for advice. Knowing San Fu (aka Xu Shu) was a filial son, Cheng Yu tricked his mother to come to the palace. It was there that he forged her handwriting and sent Xu Shu a letter.

When Xu Shu received the letter and thought his mother had been captured by Cao Cao, he cried and bade farewell to Liu Bei. Liu Bei was at a loss without Xu Shu present to advise him. Before he left, Xu Shu told Liu Bei to go to Longzhong to see a genius by the name of Zhuge Liang, (who also went by the name of Kong Ming, which literally meant Master Crouching Dragon) and seek his help.

- Compiled from The Three Kingdoms

Exhibition Showcases Classic Porcelain Styles (Celadon)

 

Looks like ceramic fans residing in China are in for a treat😜 An exhibition at the Zhejiang Museum's Wulin Pavilion is displaying ancient celadon artwork along with modern porcelain, presenting the passing-down of traditional crafts and providing young artists with a platform to show their ingenuity.

https://www.shine.cn/feature/art-culture/2109165099/

Liu Bei Seeks Shelter in Jingzhou (The Three Kingdoms)

 

Liu Bei was strengthening his forces in Runan. While Cao Cao and Yuan Shao were at war, he took 50,000 troops with him to attack the capital Xuchang. On the way, the crossed paths with Cao Cao's army and a battle broke out.

Liu Bei's army was no match for Cao Cao's. They were forced to retreat to the mouth of Han River with the remaining 1000 troops. Liu Bei was crushed by the defeat. Guan Yu consoled Liu Bei and managed to persuade him to go to Jingzhou to seek refuge with his relative, Liu Biao.

Upon arriving in Jingzhou, Liu Biao placed Xinye county in the Xiangyang area under Liu Bei's care. Liu Bei did a great job and was well respected by both his troops and the people. His wife, Lady Gan gave birth to a boy, and they named him Liu Chan. However, Liu Bei often lamented that he was living under Liu Biao's roof, yet to make a name for himself.

One day, Liu Bei came across a young cowherd on the road. He noticed the cowherd was happier than him. Upon seeing Liu Bei, the cowherd recognised him. He told Liu Bei that his master often spoke about a tall hero with huge ears, whose hands hung below his knees.

Liu Bei immediately asked who the cowherd's master was. When he learnt about Sima Hui (whose Taoist appellation was the Water Mirror), Liu Bei paid the Master Water Mirror a visit. It was there that he learnt about The Crouching Dragon and Young Phoenix.

- Compiled from The Three Kingdoms

Extremely Rare Teapot From Yongzheng Era (Qing Dynasty)

While this auction may have taken place over a decade ago, I still think it's worth listening to Nicolas Chow's brief introduction to a particularly exquisite Beijing enamel gold teapot and cover (3:10-4:50), which so happens to be 1 of the 2 existing pieces in the world!

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSHs02XBpCg&list=RDCMUCelkSnSbxvIfjjD01uPHHbg&start_radio=1&rv=GSHs02XBpCg&t=99