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