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

Thrashing the Inspecting Official (The Three Kingdoms)

 

The 3 brothers, Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei won a number of battles and Liu Bei was promoted to magistrate of Anxi county in Dingzhou.

One day, the inspecting official paid Anxi county a visit. The three brothers greeted him warmly upon his arrival. But the official was upset that Liu Bei had failed to present him with any gifts.

In order to extort a bribe from him, the corrupt official got a minor officer to accuse Liu Bei of accepting bribes. When the three brothers discovered that this was all the official's doing, Zhang Fei confronted him, tied him up and gave him a good beating. Liu Bei then hung his official seal around the official's neck and the three brothers left for Pingyuan county.

It was in Pingyuan where Liu Bei was made magistrate once again. He then started to gather his troops and his influence gradually grew over time.

- Compiled from The Three Kingdoms

Our Most Recently Added Item - July 2021 (Geyao Ware)

A Geyao octagonal vase.

Height: 33cm

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

Informative Virtual Tour of The Asian Art Museum (Chinese Ceramics)

Thoroughly enjoyed this virtual tour on Chinese ceramics by Joanna Lee, the curatorial assistant of Chinese art from The Asian Art Museum!

Watch as she traces how each dynasty built on and refined what came before, how new technologies, including explosively colored glazes, gave rise to now-familiar patterns. Tag a friend who'd enjoy this informative virtual tour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVZ35YAhs8I

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