The Origins of Numbered Jun Ware Ceramics (Chinese History)

 

Numbered Jun ware are rare. They were used in the private quarters of the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace in Beijing. In this talk, conservator Susan Costello discusses the chemical origins of these unique glazes and how she worked to restore the striking glazes on a damaged ceramic during a conservation treatment. Enjoy! https://harvardartmuseums.org/article/art-talk-color-in-chinese-numbered-jun-ware-ceramics

Our Most Recently Added Item (Aug 2021)

 

Description:

A blue and white jar with lid with traditional writing of the word 'Shou' (birthday) in the background.

Height: 39cm

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

Chain Stratagem (The Three Kingdoms)

 

After the defeat, Dong Zhou decided to move the capital city from Luoyang to Chang'an. Before leaving, he seized money and treasures from Luoyang, took Emperor Xian and some ministers by force.

Situ Wang Yu hated Dong Zhou and thought of a chain stratagem to get rid of him. To do that, he turned to his entertainer, Diao Chan, for help. Dian Chan readily obliged.

Wang Yun then invited Lu Bu for a drink at his house and offered Diao Chan to be Lu Bu's wife. Lu Bu was struck by her beauty and graciously accepted his offer.

A few days later, Wang Yun invited Dong Zhou to a dinner reception and had Diao Chan perform a dance.

When Dong Zhou responded favourably to Diao Chan, Wang Yun readily offered her to him.

Upon hearing that Dong Zhou had taken Diao Chan with him, Lu Bu immediately went to see Wang Yun and demanded an explanation. Wang Yun lied and told Lu Bu that Dong Zhou was taking her away to betroth her to him.

Enraged, Lu Bu stomped off to Dong Zhou's palace to find out the truth. That was when he saw Diao Chan crying alone in the garden. Upon seeing him, she attempted to jump into the pond to prove her loyalty to Lu Bu. He tried to stop her and that was when Dong Zhou took him by surprise. Lu Bu fled in panic.

Dong Zhou and Lu Bu became enemies. It was then that Lu Bu and Wang Yun started plotting to kill Dong Zhou.

One day, Wang Yun managed to entice Dong Zhou out of his palace. Lu Bu, who was hiding nearby, thrust his spear into Dong Zhou's throat, killing him instantly.

After his death, Dong Zhou's followers killed Wang Yun. Taking Diao Chan with him, Lu Bu fled Changan. Emperor Xian also managed to escape and return to Luoyang, and summoned Cao Cao to escort him to safety.

Cao Cao moved the emperor and his ministers to Xuchang, and seized control of the imperial court. Shortly after that, Cao Cao and Liu Bei joined forces and started hunting down Lu Bu, who was fleeing to Xuzhou. However, he was killed by Cao Cao.

Cao Cao and Liu Bei were summoned for an audience with Emperor Xian.

- Compiled from The Three Kingdoms

The Secret to Copperware's Amazing Workmanship (Copper)

 

Ever wondered how high quality copperwares are produced? Watch this documentary to learn more about this old copperhouse (made entirely out of copper) in Hangzhou. It belongs to Zhu Bingren, who hails from a family of coppersmiths spanning over 5 generations!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZM9R5o-G3Q

The Three Brothers Battle Lu Bu (The Three Kingdoms)

 

Dong Zhou and his foster son, Lu Bu, led the army at Tiger Trap Pass. Lu Bu fought courageously and continuously defeated their enemies.

However, he quickly found the odds against him when he clashed with the 3 brothers (Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei) on the battlefield. In order to save himself, Lu Bu fled back to Tiger Trap Pass.

Robbing the Largest Royal Mausoleum in The World! (Qing Dynasty)

In the summer of 1928, the National Revolutionary Army, led by Sun Dianying, a former warlord, raided the largest royal mausoleum in the world, located in Hebei province. It's said that even the treasures of the Forbidden City paled in comparison to what the warlords had found there!

It's no surprise that it was dubbed The Golden Mausoleum. So, who occupied this luxurious tomb? And what exactly happened during the robbery?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjcsijh3hpA

Warm Wine for Hua Xiong's Life (The Three Kingdoms)

 

Cao Cao arrived at Chenliu and prepared to confront Dong Zhou. Lords such as Yuan Shao and Sun Jian joined Cao Cao. The trio, Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei joined in as well.

By now, Dong Zhou's senior general, Hua Xiong, had managed to kill key warriors. Upon hearing this, Guan Yu vowed to kill Dong Zhou, and took off on his horse. Guan Yu defeated him easily on the battlefield. When he brought Hua Xiong's head back to the camp, his wine was still warm.

- Compiled from The Three Kingdoms

The History of Falangcai Ceramics (Qing Dynasty)

 

Ever wondered how the 'Falangcai' enamel got its name? Or how they were produced? Listen to Dr Andrew Harris from the University of Toronto explain the history and significance of Falangcai ceramics during the Qing Dynasty in this brief documentary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkT9hApeKBU

Cao Cao Presents A Sword (The Three Kingdoms)

 

In 189, Dong Zhou took advantage of the discord in the imperial court and seized power. He deposed Emperor Liu Bian and enthroned 9-year old Liu Xie as Emperor Xian of Han.

Dong Zhou's aggression aroused the displeasure of many ministers, but none of them dared to speak up. So, Cao Cao decided to get rid of Dong Zhou himself.

Cao Cao got close to Dong Zhou, gaining his trust over time. Then, one night, he saw opportunity to assassinate Dong Zhou. Unfortunately, Dong Zhou awoke just before Cao Cao could strike. When Dong Zhou demanded to know what Cao Cao was up to, Cao Cao lied and pretended to present the sword to him. By the time, Dong Zhou got suspicious, Cao Cao had managed to escape on his horse.

Enraged, Dong Zhou offered 1000 gold pieces for Cao Cao's head. Cao Cao was caught in Zhongmu county. Chen Gong, the magistrate, admired Cao Cao's loyalty and uprightness. So, he released Cao Cao and fled with him.

They ended up seeking shelter at Lu Boshe's house, a sworn brother of Cao Cao's father. Lu Boshe told the 2 men to stay in the house while he went over to the village to get some good wine for them.

After he had left, the 2 men heard the sound of sharpening of knives and some voices coming from the back of the house. Convinced that the family were plotting their murder and that Lu Boshe had tipped off the authorities, Cao Cao immediately dashed into the backyard and killed the entire household.

When the 2 men realised that they had misunderstood the situation and that the family had meant no harm toward them, they left hurriedly. They bumped into Lu Boshe, who was on his way back with the wine. Cao Cao killed him for fear that he would report them to the authorities if he had found out his entire family had been murdered. Upon witnessing this, Chen Gong realised that he had been wrong about Cao Cao and abandoned him as Cao Cao slept.

- Compiled from The Three Kingdoms

Fascinating Insights of Ancient China (Chinese History)

Great tour of the Asian Art Museum's collection galleries which highlights ceramics, jades, bronzes, paintings, and Buddhist arts representing 6 thousand years of Chinese culture and tradition. Those of you who wish to skip to the ceramic section of the tour can fast forward to 17:55 :p

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRUkcNppsCc&list=RDCMUCzBW68I7Wq5TApqR1-xtKAA&start_radio=1&rv=YRUkcNppsCc&t=1377