5 masterpieces revealed! (Chinese Antiques)

 

Check out these 5 masterpieces from the collection of the late philanthropist and Chinese artist, Sir Joseph Hutong!

Not surprised to learn that the superbly carved cinnabar lacquer box from the Ming dynasty took over a year to produce.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFsTEcDW0RY

Year end sale (2022)

Hunting for a memorable present or some nice home/office decor?

If that's a yes, then come and take advantage of our year end sales!

Where? 

Naik Antiques and Oriental Gifts


When? 

12/12/2022 - 31/1/2023

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

Before 2022 draws to an end, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

May 2023 bring even more joy, happiness, and amazing adventures & experiences to us all!

First piece picked out by the emperor (Qing Dynasty)

Check out this amazing piece of treasure picked out by Emperor Qianlong when he ascended the throne😍

https://fb.watch/hc8NZwjtas/

The Center Of Ceramic Creativity (Jingdezhen)

Ever wanted to know the history of Jingdezhen and its world renowned porcelain?

Helen Bentley and Discover China takes us on a tour through the world's first industrial city, a center of ceramic creativity and so much more.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lFmzYOPWM0

Making Beautiful Tri-Coloured Pottery (Tang Dynasty)

 

The Tri-colored Pottery thrived in the Tang Dynasty over 1,300 years ago. Its glaze mainly features 3 colors - yellow, green and white. However, the “Thri-color” also refers to many different ones. To make Tang Tri-colored Pottery, the basic glaze colors of yellow, green, blue, white, auburn and black are used in an interlaced way on the same ware. This brief documentary highlights how the glaze colors flow and interact during the process of firing. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EzmyJXudgo&list=PLjyx3gz4xlUGVJ8u916UPo0gwkovQ8Exj&index=30

The Qin Dynasty and Alexander The Great (Chinese History)

 

Featuring more than 160 object (sets), 32 museums and 13 provinces. It's no wonder this exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum was called a landmark exhibition.

What's more intriguing is how they managed to establish a connection between China's Qin dynasty and the West at the time of Alexander the Great😮

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4FZ7dAKewY

Our Most Recently Added Item - Oct 2022

 

Description:

A fine Feng Cai tile painting of squirrels.
H: 61cm, W: 37cm

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

If Only Modern Candlesticks Could Look Half This Good (Imperial Porcelain)

 

Couldn't help but marvel at the fine gilt bronze-decorated white jade candlestick from Hong Kong tycoon, Joseph Lau's collection😍 Wasn't surprised that was auctioned off at 8 times its low estimate! https://en.thevalue.com/articles/joseph-lau-imperial-porcelain-part-two-sothebys-autumn-sale-2022

Why Does Porcelain Cost So Much?

 

Compared to other ceramics, porcelain is non-porous, white, and translucent. The secret to these differences is in the clay. So, how exactly is porcelain made? More important, why is it so expensive?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnoGsbl2ANo

Treasures Looted From The Summer Palace! (Chinese History)

 

1.5 million priceless treasures looted from the Old Summer Palace in Beijing! 

Find out why and how the Old Summer Palace was sacked, and learn more about some of the items that were looted.

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

The World's Largest Palace Complex (Chinese History)

Did you know that the world’s largest palace complex is big enough to hold 50 Buckingham Palaces and covers more than 7.75 million square feet😮

The Forbidden City’s name in Chinese, Zijincheng, literally means 'purple forbidden city?' The color purple is considered auspicious in Chinese culture and symbolizes divinity and immortality, as well as the North Star.

The Forbidden City would be the home and seat of power for 24 rulers—14 from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and 10 from the Qing (1644-1911).

Read on to learn more about this grand, historical site.



https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/history-magazine/article/emperors-ruled-from-chinas-forbidden-city-for-nearly-5-centuries

Chinese Ceramics and Trade (Chinese History)

 

Just wanted to share this informative documentary which explores the origins of porcelain in the 10th century, the explosion in trade between Europe and China of porcelain from the 17th century, and how European manufacturers began imitating Chinese porcelain from the late 18th century.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBKxT9Zhtg8&t=403s

The History of Chinese Jade (Chinese Art and Culture)

Interesting video highlighting how jade was discovered during China's Stone Age and explains the history and journey it's taken to become so popular in Chinese art and culture.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Js0cdcKr44

Imperial Treasures (Taiwan)

 

Insightful documentary about Chinese history and culture. The documentary briefly mentioned Kublai Khan, Emperor Xuande, Yongle and Kangxi, but spoke at length about Emperor Qianlong. 

Given his great love for Chinese ceramics and art, I'm not surprised that the National Palace Museum's collection was essentially from Emperor Qianlong's era.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeKBI-85RcY

Fencai Porcelain (Chinese History)

 

Brief video detailing the history of Fencai (aka famille rose) porcelain during the Qing dynasty. 

Enjoy!

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

Emperor Yongzheng's Dragon Vase Leads In Auction (Tang Sancai)

 

Good to know that there's still a healthy appetite for Chinese ceramics in Hong Kong😅 Poly Auction Hong Kong recently wrapped up their 10th anniversary celebration with a series of four Chinese works of art sales.

A sale dedicated to Tang (618-907) Sancai ceramics from The Ten-views Lingbi Rock Retreat Collection turned out to be the most impressive. With an unexpectedly fervent bidding atmosphere, the 56 lots sold achieved a sale total of over HK$50 million! https://en.thevalue.com/articles/poly-auction-hong-kong-10th-anniversary-chinese-workds-of-art-porcelains-2022?fbclid=IwAR3cwx2dRl52X0CC3Gd8iLkeguSkw9ZhJi59mWVFcOFPUlEWifERg41A9XU

Our Most Recently Added Item - July 2022

Description

An old, beautiful ink block with carvings of a poem, dragon and scholar.
Length: 29cm.
Width: 25cm.
Height: 3cm.

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

92-year Old Builds Magnificent Porcelain Palace (Jingdezhen)

While this video may have not have covered much about the rich history of China's ceramics, I was definitely moved and inspired by this 92-year old superwoman's dream to build her own $880,000 porcelain palace (over the course of 10 years)!

Yu Ermei's a living example that we are never to old to chase our dreams🔥 Before watching this video, would any of you like to take a guess as to how many pieces of porcelain was involved in the construction of this magnificent porcelain palace😜

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jukU3h-hY2c

How China's Treasures Disappeared From The Forbidden City (Qing Dynasty)

Insightful documentary detailing how so many valuable pieces of China's imperial ware were secretly moved out of the Forbidden City😮

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w4CGJ8Ss6A

History of Jiajing Wucai Fish Jar (Ming Dynasty)

 

Just thought I'd share this brief documentary which features this renowned and widely photographed Wucai fish jar from the Ming Dynasty era. In the Jiajing period, an era of the Ming dynasty that stretched from 1522–66, the production of wucai, or ‘five enamel’ vessels, reached new heights in both quality and quantity.

Prior to the reign of the Jiajing emperor, imperial kilns primarily produced small objects suitable for handling. But in the Jiajing reign, porcelain began to be produced on a larger scale — a major breakthrough in porcelain technology.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lbRt5RtmGE

UK Surgeon's Rare Imperial Vase (Qianlong)

 

Just wanted to share this brief, informative video of a magnificent and extremely rare example of an imperial Qianlong porcelain. The style of vessel is called tianqiuping, or “Celestial Sphere vase”—an allusion to Chinese mythological depictions of heaven as a globe hovering above Earth. Its color, too, has spiritual connotations: the cobalt glaze is called “sacrificial blue,” based on similarly-hued containers used during sacrifices at the Imperial Altar of Heaven, according to Dreweatts. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/Uc-f6Jd_QN4

Facts and History About Zisha Teapots and Tea (Chinese Teapots)

 

Did you know that the clay used to make Zisha teapots can only be found in a 350-year old Zisha ore😮 Or that the technique used by Zisha experts to make these exquisite teapots dates back to 600 years ago? Watch this short, insightful documentary by Business Insider to learn more about the history of tea and the making of Zisha teapots.

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

Daoism's Influence During The Ming Dynasty (Yongle)

Enjoyed this brief description of this fine celadon Daoist Longquan shrine from the Yongle era during the Ming Dynasty by Ms Luk, the project curator of The British Museum:) This documentary is a great reminder to me of how much the workmanship had improved by the early 1400s😬

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

Our Most Recently Added Item - May 2022 (Incense Burner)

 

Description

An old bronze incense burner with fine carvings of a Chinese story.

Mark: Que (Magpie)

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

Yongzheng Ceramic Collection (Qing Dynasty)

 

Just thought I'd share this informative article on Yongzheng ceramics by Sotheby's. Given the great workmanship of the featured pieces, it's no surprise that a huge amount of resources were devoted to the production in the imperial kiln, where the best craftsmen in the country were recruited to create a wide variety of innovative wares :p

https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-age-of-elegance-qing-dynasty-yongzheng-ceramics

Ancient Chinese Art (Chinese Pottery)

 

Insightful discussion about Chinese art and history during the Han and Tang Dynasty. I must admit that prior to watching this documentary, I had no idea that Tang Dynasty art was actually very much Western influenced :p 

https://www.britannica.com/video/166584/discussion-China-West-Meets-East-art-Chinese

Still The World’s Most Expensive Ceramic? (Chinese Imperial Ware)

 

At first glance, I didn't notice just how intricate a piece this was. But as I scrolled through the photos, I'm amazed that such a piece even exists!

It's no wonder it was dubbed 'The World's Most Expensive Ceramic' when it resurfaced at an auction in Beijing back in June 2021 and fetched a whopping US$41.6million!



https://en.thevalue.com/articles/poly-beijing-qianlong-revolving-vase-auction-record-result

The History of 'Jingtailan' (Cloisonne Enamel)

 

Informative documentary detailing the history of cloisonne enamel and how it got its name 'Jingtailan' (in Chinese).

Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/jLiJLiufB34

Collection Of The Phillips Museum of Art (Porcelain Plate)

 

Brief description of a widely circulated Chinese porcelain plate back in the 18th century by Philip Zimmerman, Museum Consultant and Adjunct Assistant Professor of History at The Phillips Museum of Art at Franklin and Marshall College.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfv4l1Dzdfo

Our Most Recently Added Item - March 2022 (Cloisonne Enamel)

 

Description:

A fine, old cloisonne enamel incense burner.

Height: 19cm

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

Chinese History On A ‘Dragon’ Dice Bowl (Xuande Emperor)

Enjoyed this brief, yet informative video by Cindy Qi on this rare blue and white 'dragon' 'dice' bowl from the Ming Dynasty. It exemplifies the celebrated aesthetics of blue and white porcelain produced during the Xuande period (1425-35). This present bowl comes from the collection of Leon and Max Friedman, aviation pioneers who later established an automobile empire in China in the early 20th century.

What are your thoughts on this piece?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow7VkTyYRUs

Young Phoenix Pang Tong (The Three Kingdoms)

 

Young Phoenix Pang Tong had lent his assistance during the battle at the Red Cliff when he tricked Cao Cao into chaining his boats together with metal chains and facilitated the success of the fire attack.

Pang Tong offered his service to Liu Bei when he was turned down by Sun Quan. Unfortunately, he was merely offered the post of Leiyang magistrate as he was perceived as 'unattractive.' In retaliation, Pang Tong spent his days drinking and sleeping upon arriving in Leiyang.

One day, Zhang Fei dropped by for an inspection and reprimanded Pang Tong for drinking and neglecting his official duties. Pang Tong pointed out that given the fact his role was too insignificant given that he was able to easily defeat Cao Cao and Sun Quan in the past. He proved his point by settling all the arrears of the 100 days (since he had arrived) by midday.

Upon learning this, Liu Bei finally realised that Pang Tong had talent and appointed him Vice Commanding Advisor, much to Pang Tong's delight.

When the governor of Yizhou, Liu Zhang, sought Liu Bei's help to stop the invasion of Zhang Lu, Liu Bei and Pang Tong led 50,000 troops to the West Riverland. It was then that Cao Cao launched his attack on Dongwu too.

Liu Bei asked for the return of Jingzhou so he could join forces with Sun Quan to consolidate his defense against Cao Cao. He had also asked to borrow 40,000 well-trained soldiers and 10,000 hu of grain.

However, Liu Zhang only lent him 4,000 old and ill troops, and 10,000 hu of grain. Enraged, Liu Bei severed his ties with Liu Zhang. With the help of Pang Tong, he led his army to take possession of Fucheng, a city of military importance. He then continued his attack towards Luocheng, the entrance of the road to Chengdu.

It was around this time that Zhuge Liang sent a messenger to Liu Bei, warning him that Venus was approaching Luocheng, and suggested they put their attack on hold for the time being.

Pang Tong, however, chose to ignore the warning. Before departure, Pang Tong was thrown off his horse. Liu Bei quickly offered his horse to Pang Tong.

Pang Tong led his troops towards the mountain roads on the West, where he and his troops were attacked at Fallen Phoenix Slope. Pang Tong was killed in battle.

Liu Bei quickly retreated to his camp at Fucheng and sent his men to invite Zhuge Liang to join him at the West Riverland. Zhuge Liang, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun arrived at West Riverland to assist Liu Bei while Guan Yu stayed back to defend Jingzhou.

Liu Bei eventually took control of West Riverland, and became Princee of Zhanzhong. That formed a tripartite confrontation with Cao Cao and Sun Quan in control of other parts of the land.

- Compiled from The Three Kingdoms

Chinese Treasures Discovered Off The Belitung Island (Tang Dynasty)

 

70,000 Chinese ceramics (as well as luxurious objects of gold and silver) from a 1,000 year old Tang dynasty shipwreck being exhibited in New York at Asia Society😍 I must admit I was particularly taken by the dragon-head object with its Middle Eastern shape :p

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xzIwCfJZwk

Zhou Yu Pays a Double Penalty (The Three Kingdoms)

 

Zhou Yu was determined to take possession of Jingzhou. When he heard that Liu Bei's wife, Lady Gan, had passed away, he got the idea of sending someone to propose marriage. He then approached Sun Quan and suggested he pretend to marry his sister to Liu Bei. Sun Quan thought it was a good idea and agreed.

Sun Quan promptly sent someone to propose marriage to Liu Bei. Liu Bei immediately suspected that it was a ploy by Zhou Yu. Zhuge Liang told Liu Bei not to worry and assured him that he would send Zhao Yun to protect him. Zhuge Liang even gave Zhao Yun 3 clever schemes enclosed in 3 bags to ensure Liu Bei's safe return.

Zhao Yun first sent his 500 troops to the streets to buy all the things necessary for the wedding. They also spread the news that Liu Bei was marrying Sun Yuan's sister. When the news reached Sun Quan's mother, Dowager Marchioness, she was furious.

She confronted Sun Quan and he quickly assured her that the wedding was just a ruse to trick Liu Bei into coming to Dongwu and force him to return Jingzhou to them. His mother demanded to meet Liu Bei in person and would only agree to make him her son-in-law if she was satisfied with him.

The Dowager Marchioness was very satisfied with Liu Bei after meeting him, and consented to him marrying her daughter. A few days later, a wedding was conducted for Liu Bei and the princess.

The fictitious plot was made real. After the wedding, Zhou Yu set about making Liu Bei stay in Dongwu by indulging him in pleasure and fun. Liu Bei was so happy with his new married life that he gave no thought of returning to Jingzhou at the end of the year. It was then that Zhao Yun opened the second bag of plan. Upon reading it, he quickly informed Liu Bei that Cao Cao was leading his troops to attack Jingzhou.

Fearful that his in-laws wouldn't allow him to return to Jingzhou, he hatched a plan with his wife to give the excuse of an ancestral sacrifice on the river bank on New Year's Day and then secretly leave Dongwu.

Unfortunately, their plot was foiled when Zhou Yu gave chase as the couple secretly left the city. It was then that Liu Bei opened the third bag. After reading the message, Liu Bei convinced his wife that her brother and Zhou Yu wanted to harm him.

She immediately took charge and ordered the soldiers to back off, and the soldiers reluctantly let them pass. By the time the couple reached the river bank, Zhuge Liang already had boats prepared to receive Liu Bei. Unwilling to give up, Zhou Yu gave chase in his boat too.

Upon reaching the northern shore, they immediately abandoned the boat. Thankfully, Zhuge Liang has arranged for Guan Yu and Huang Zhong to set up an ambush, and Zhou Yu and his troops quickly fled back to their boat in panic. Liu Bei's soldiers taunted Zhou Yu from the shore, and Zhou Yu fainted in anger.

Refusing to give up, Zhou Yu once again mounted another attack on Jingzhou, and lost. Shortly after returning to Dongwu, Zhou Yu coughed blood and died of grief. Upon learning about his death, Zhuge Liang personally went to Dongwu to pay his respects, and wept openly at Zhou Yu's grave.

Just as Zhuge Liang was preparing to embark on his journey back to Jingzhou, a gentleman stopped him. It turned out to be Master Young Phoenix!

- Compiled from The Three Kingdoms

Metropolitan Museum Exhibition (Chinese Art and Culture)

 

The Metropolitan Museum's exhibition - "Another World Lies Beyond: Chinese Art and the Divine" was held from Aug 2019 to Jan 2020. It was a blend of Premodern China and images of the divine. From the humblest printed image of the Stove God, hung in the kitchen, to the most lavish ritual painting created for a Buddhist monastery, this exhibition presents a rich display of divine images and 3D sculptures of popular Chinese deities.

Joseph Scheier-Dolberg (Oscar Tang and Agnes Hsu-Tang Associate Curator of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy) leads the tour, beginning in galleries devoted to Buddhist art. Arising Another gallery was devoted to the arts of Daoism, a native religion that draws on both ancient Chinese philosophy and popular religious practice. The final galleries were devoted to the divine presence in the home and in the countryside, as expressed in popular deities and fantastical creatures.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-oMW-L4GCQ

The Battle of The Red Cliff (The Three Kingdoms)

 

So, where exactly did the most famous battle in The Romance of The Three Kingdoms take place? Apparently, there has been varied views.

Su Dongpo of the Song Dynasty believed that the Red Cliff was the Chibi Rock in Huang prefacture. He even composed the famous poems 'Before the Red Cliff Rhapsody', 'After the Red Cliff Rhapsody' and 'Battle of Red Cliff.'

However, it is believed that the site of the Red Cliff (Chibi) is on the Southern bank of Yangtze River in the city of Puqi, Hubei province. The site is made up of 3 mountains - Chibi, Nanping and Jinluan mountains.

Many artifacts were unearthed there. For instance, iron hoops, iron nails and a copper mirror of the Eastern Han Dynasty were uncovered one metre underground at Chibi mountain, while in a brick coffin chamber of the Eastern Han Dynasty in Jinluan mountain, a trigger mechanism of a crossbow designed by Zhuge Liang was discovered.

According to the 'Notes from Jingzhou' by Sheng Hong, during the reign of Yuanjia in the Liu Song Dynasty, the tomb of Eastern Wu's general, Lu Meng, who had participated in the Battle of The Red Cliff, was uncovered in the Chibi mountain.

- Compiled from The Three Kingdoms