Sworn Brotherhood in the Peach Garden (Three Kingdoms)

It was the late Han dynasty. Corruption had caused suffering to the people, and the Yellow Turban Rebellion, led by Zhang Jiao erupted. Troops were enlisted to fight the rebels.

In the county of Zhou in Yuzhou, Liu Bei, a descendent of the imperial family was selling straw sandals on the streets, without much luck.

Suddenly, a notice caught his eye. It was recruiting volunteer soldiers. It was here that he met Zhang Fei, a butcher and wine seller. Zhang Fei urged him to fight for the country. And since Zhang Fei was looking for partners and Liu Bei had some money saved up, a partnership was forged between the two men.

As both men were talking over drinks, a man by the name of Guan Yu appeared, ordered a drink and announced that he was joining the army too. It turned out he had slain a ruffian in his hometown and had become a fugitive. The 3 men hit it off so well that they decided to swear brotherhood at the peach garden in Zhang Fei's farm.

Liu Bei was the eldest, Guan Yu the second and Zhang Fei, the youngest of the trio. Liu Bei's weapon of choice - a pair of ancient swords, Guan Yu - a Green Gragon sabre and Zhang Fei - a serpent spear. Together, the trio managed to gather a troop of 500 soldiers and joined the imperial army.

Compiled from The Three Kingdoms

The Largest Production Base for Hand-Painted Pastel Porcelain in Northern China (Chinese Culture)

 

Take a sneak peak into the Gaolianghe Painting Factory, the largest production base for hand-painted pastel porcelain in Northern China. It opened its doors in Gaolianghe village (near Beijing) in 1979 and their products are made to be exported.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2c3HEqWOno

Yuan Dynasty Porcelain Discovered Shipwreck off of Singapore! (Archaeology)

2 century-old shipwrecks packed with ceramics and other artefacts have been found off Singapore in a rare discovery! The vessel discovered in 2015 was the first ancient shipwreck to be found in Singapore's waters "more Yuan dynasty blue-and-white porcelain than any other documented shipwreck in the world! Hopefully, antique and ceramic lovers alike living in neighbouring countries will be able to get a sneak peak of them once international travel resumes :p

https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2021/06/699423/centuries-old-shipwrecks-found-singapore

A Brief History About The 'Jade' of Chinese Porcelains (Chinese History)

I must admit that until I saw this video, I was unaware that the 'jade' of Chinese porcelains made the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List in 2009 :p Glad to know that ever since its revival in 1957, demand for this beautiful ceramic is present all over the world.

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

Our most recently added item - June 2021 (Incense Burner)

A beautifully designed three-legged bronze incense burner with two handles.

Mark and period Xuande, Ming Dynasty.

Height – 10 cm

Width – 13.5 cm

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

The Song Dynasty's Choice of Tea and The Use of Jian Ware Tea Bowls (Chinese History)

A brief documentary highlighting the Song Dynasty's choice of tea - The 'Whipped Tea', how it's prepared and the use of Jian ware tea bowls in their tea ceremonies. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhl11olYNY4

The Story Of The Chinese Art of Carved Lacquer (Chinese History)

Great documentary featuring the Metropolitan Museum of Art's exhibition on cinnabar - the Chinese art of carved lacquer (from the 14th to 19th century)! It also explored the role of lacquer in Chinese history and culture. Please feel free to share this post with other lacquer collectors and fans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKTdeok2Wcw