Japanese Katana Swords
Written by admin on March 7, 2010 – 8:01 pm -The katana emerged in the sixteenth century as a curved, single-edged weapon of the Samurai warrior class in Japan. When paired with a shoto (short sword) such as a wakizashi or the dagger-like tanto, the result is a daisho, a pair of swords worn representing the honor, social power and the very soul of the Samurai warrior. The longer katana was used in open combat primarily for cutting, slashing, and parrying maneuvers, while the shorter blades were used for close-quarters stabbing as well as seppuku, or ritual suicide. Katana swords were traditionally worn the edge facing up, and the art of drawing and attacking an enemy, known as iaido took years to master its many intricacies. Although the traditional intention of the katana is no longer... more
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Asian Antiques & The Economic Crisis
Written by admin on March 7, 2010 – 7:55 pm -By John Cohen With such an awesome economic crisis worldwide, many of us naturally wonder how this is affecting the antique and art market. This is a question that understandably concerns all collectors who might be considering buying or selling. But history has shown that whenever the financial economy has been really bad, whether caused by recession, or inflation, fine quality rare antiques have not only retained value but have remained in very high demand. The Asian antique market, as well as other good quality antiques and works of art, during financial slumps have tended to remain safe and even continued to increase in value. The antique auction rooms have reported, that so far, they continue to be very busy. There has always been and... more
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Japanese Satsuma Ceramics
Written by admin on March 1, 2010 – 1:05 am -Satsuma is the name of a type of earthenware initially made in various kilns in Chosa, Ryumonji, Tateno and Naeshirogawa, in the Japanese prefecture of Kagoshima, on the island of Kyushu. All these places were under the control of the feudal lord of Satsuma. In the late 1590s, Shimazu Yoshihiro — the lord of Satsuma — returned to Japan after fighting a war in Korea. He kidnapped a group of 22 Korean potters and their families, and put them to work in 1601, making ceramics from the white clay found at Naeshirogawa. With strict race laws prohibiting intermarriage, these potters and their families were kept completely separate from the rest of the Japanese population. By the third quarter of the 19th century, there were more than 1,400 of these... more
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Antique Japanese Kakiemon Porcelain
Written by admin on February 6, 2010 – 5:37 pm -A type of Arita ware, Kakiemon is delicate porcelain with a distinctive palette. The name is derived from a family of potters and enamellers working in Arita, who are traditionally believed to have introduced overglaze enameling on porcelain to Japan in the 1640s. The extremely fine, milky-white body (nigoshide) was believed to have been exclusive to the Kakiemon kiln, although this is now disputed. Wares include small dishes, bottles, bowls, and vases, many of which are of geometric form. DECORATION AND FORMS Although the Kakiemon kilns produced blue-and white porcelain, they are generally associated with wares expertly painted in a palette of iron-red, cerulean-blue, turquoise-green, yellow, aubergine, and gold. These delicate porcelains... more
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Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain
Written by admin on January 29, 2010 – 2:52 am -When we think of ancient Japanese porcelain, Imari is often quite bright, but not all Japanese Imari was brilliant. A famous 19th century porcelain maker Seto, Aichi Prefecture in Japan, its porcelain decorated with blue sapphire very distinctive paint the typical naturalist, Zen influenced items such as herbs dominated forests pine, willow and rock formations of windblown trees. "Seto" refers to the city and the style of pottery originated there. Seto is also one of Japan famous "six old kilns". Seto Porcelain arrived late. His first appearance in the 19th century, when he returned Kato Seto Tamikichi to the island of Kyushu, and successfully fired porcelain decorated cobalt blue. Tamikichi is, in fact, considered the "father of porcelain... more
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The Beauty of Asian Antiques
Written by admin on January 24, 2010 – 12:44 am -As even a casual observer will tell you, there is a great deal of variety when you consider the art that comes out of Asia. The history of countries like Japan and China go back literally thousands of years, and by taking a look at what these lands have to offer in the way of gorgeous antiques is just one more way to appreciate true artistic ability, craftsmanship and history. Chinese art, for example, is divided into periods relating to the dynasty that ruled the country. Chinese art can range from simple yet exquisitely glazed ceramic bowls to the popular and incredibly beautiful jade figurines. The Shang dynasty, for intance, was known for its blue casting, while China as a whole maintained a long tradition of beautiful porcelain. The arrival... more
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Asian Cloisonne Vases
Written by admin on January 10, 2010 – 3:17 am -by Jane S. Rosen Cloisonne is a unique combination of skills copper and porcelain, traditional painting, sculpture, engraving and abilities. Originally from Beijing during the dynasty Yuan (1271-1368), cloisonné is a complex process that requires many years of training to master craftsman. Cloisonné underwent a change important during the Ming Dynasty around 1426-1456, when he found a blue glaze, which gives cloisonné her look beautiful, and is still used today. Ming Dynasty cloisonné is considered the most complex. Cloisonne pieces can be found on large objects such as vases and other utensils large and decorative items and small items like earrings, bracelets, chopsticks or jars. The making of a masterpiece When visiting China, be sure... more
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