Global Arts & History

Asian Travel Tips

2008-07-07T18:56:00.000-04:00

Japanese Overseas Travel Insurance by: Steve Cogger If you are an expatriate planning on long-term residence in Japan you can, after a one-year stay, become a part of Japan's national health program. Until that time, however, you're going to need Japanese overseas travel insurance. Read More... A Complete India Travel Guide Launched by: Arjun Roy Your wait is finally over. A complete Travel Guide, www.travelgoindia.com that focuses completely on India has been launched. The days of scratching about for information on India before you embark on a tour of this beautiful country is passé. Learn more about the beauty of this enchanting land from this exhaustively informative website www.travelgoindia.com. This travel guide has quite a few useful tools that enable it to become a traveler’s best friend. Read More... Survival China Travel Tips and Tricks by: Colin Jin These China Travel Tips, Survival Techniques, will help you get around and make your trip to China easier, so you will be able to experience the real China with a little less stress. China is an odd beast that needs to be respected; the major cities, Beijing, Shanghai, and Xian, all have their own personalities. Read More... The lowdown on china travel by: Mansi gupta The fragrance of fish, lobsters…, the sturdy Great Wall, the broken hush of winds by the Martial Arts, the grand museums and unpretentious down to earth people…welcome you to the third largest country on the globe-China. China is universally known not just for any single reason. The country has earned remarkable name not just in electronics and technology but it also surpasses many countries in its receiving tourists' attention. The charisma of China is such that people from all over the world endeavor to bask at least once in the Chinese glory. Read More...

Bagua

2008-06-21T08:14:00.002-04:00

Bagua is again a famous Chinese jargon, used by experts and in books. ‘Ba’ means eight and ‘gua’ means sectors or sections. Thus ba gua means the eight directions. A ‘pakua’ is depicted as an octagon with a mirror inside and lines denoting the eight different directions. A bagua in a compass indicates the eight main directions that make up our surroundings. The ba gua is derived from I-ching-the book of changes. A bagua is like a map that we superimpose on a house or cemetery to find which section of the place occupies which direction. For eg: by superimposing the model of a ba gua, we can determine if the bedroom is in the North or northeast.

From the bagua, we can also say that there are four directions are supposed to be good for the house and four that are bad. There are four good directions used for a person and four not so good ones used personally. Directions for the house and for a person may or may not match. Thus, a practitioner will be able to gauge whether a hill outside is to the south or the southwest! Also, while placing cures like a water fountain etc, with the help of the ba gua, a practitioner will tell you where exactly it has to be placed. If he says, place your fish tank in the south, you will not know exactly which 45 degrees is occupied by south, as you will only know vaguely where South of your house is. But, with the help of a ba gua, you will be able to point a finger at exact South! Besides, the ba gua can also tell which sector in the house is missing, thus giving a clue to the shape of the house.

Each section represents a relation like northwest is the father. It also represents an organ in the human body like the head. It can mean a person born in a year dominated by the northwest qi, it can mean the main bread winner, head of state, etc. Thus, the ba gua is an imperative tool in the study of feng shui.

A bagua (8 directions) depicted in eight directions forms an octagon. A ba gua (8 directions) depicted in a box, forms a square, with the centre also forming a square!

Making your Puzzle Box Last with Proper Care

2008-06-11T18:27:00.000-04:00

The price of a puzzle box will vary dramatically depending on its origin, creator, materials used, degree of difficulty in opening and closing, attention to detail, and much more. Although some puzzle boxes cost less than $30 and others more than $500, you can keep your beautiful work of art looking brand new with proper care. In addition to making your puzzle box look better, proper care will also ensure the mechanics of the box continue working. Puzzle boxes are made from wood, which differs from one country to another. Regardless if walnut, persimmon, wax, cherry, or some other type of wood is used, the box will expand and contract with humidity changes. Typically, the wood will move the most going across the grain with the least amount of movement going with the grain. Just as with furniture, you will find that some puzzle boxes can withstand much more than others all because of the type of wood used. Commonly, cedar is used in the making of puzzle boxes, which is easy to work with. However, cedar has one major flaw – it is not very stable. Because of this, we suggest you avoid a puzzle box made from cedar, choosing a harder wood instead such as walnut, cherry, or teak. No matter the type of wood your box is made with, you need to understand that changes occurring in the winter and summer months will have some affect. Another consideration when buying a puzzle box is how it is stored prior to shipment. In this case, boxes maintained in a warehouse that is humidity controlled will fare much better than those that are not. Other tips for caring for your new puzzle box include: Keep displayed puzzle boxes behind glass To maintain proper humidity levels, a glass of water can be placed in the display cabinet, hidden from sight Make sure the puzzle box does not sit in direct sunlight or where it would be subjected to heat from appliances or furnaces To keep humidity levels where they should be, a humidifier could be used in the winter months If the mechanisms for opening and closing the puzzle box have become stuck, simply place the box in a place with proper humidity and it will resolve itself Never get the puzzle box wet, which could damage the wood with rot, warping, bubbling, and so on Handle the puzzle box with a soft cloth, rubber fingertips, or soft grips to avoid scratching the wood Never use furniture polish on your puzzle box, even if it has a lacquer finish. Instead, high quality wood wax would restore shine. When storing your puzzle box, make sure the doors and other openings are in the closed position

The Value of Japanese Puzzle Boxes as a Collectible

2008-06-10T06:12:00.001-04:00

In the world of antiques and collectibles, the Japanese Puzzle Box is an item that instantly catches attention. Their staggering price tags are a testament to the fact that compared to many other historical cultural items from around the world; the Japanese Puzzle Box has steadily maintained its allure for well over a century. Many wonder how it is an item could possible warrant such pointed interest. In truth, anything that stands the test of time usually consists of not only good, solid construction but precise, one of a kind craftsmanship and artistry. These two main ingredients make up the Japanese Puzzle Box. Read More...

Japanese Puzzle Box Marquetry

2008-06-10T06:11:00.001-04:00

Along with the intriguing sliding parts of a Japanese Puzzle Box, the beautiful designs covering the outside can be just as captivating. These designs can consist of mountain and lake scenes or geometric patterns. This enchanting artistry is referred to as marquetry and requires as much craftsmanship and skill as the box making itself. Marquetry artisans use woods with no artificial tints or dyes to create vibrant multicolored designs. Himitsu Bako craftsmen typically create the design of their boxes and have the outside design applied at a later date. Yosegi-zaiku and Zougan are the two chief styles of marquetry found on the Japanese Puzzle Box. Read More ...

Himitsu Baku Masters

2008-05-29T06:09:00.000-04:00

The skill that goes into making a Japanese Puzzle Box is, at its core, a fusion of age old art and science. Also referred to as Himitsu Bako, the mechanics of a Japanese Puzzle Box requires flush parts that can move together in fluid and flowing motions. This is no small task. As many an apprentice has come to find, being off by even the smallest measurement will either make the box too tight and difficult to open or entirely too slack. Learning this ancient and respectable art takes many years and there are a few who have made a name for themselves doing just so. Their skill and contribution in this ancient art is the very embodiment of today's modern Japanese Puzzle Box. Read More...

Himitsu Baku 101

2008-05-29T06:08:00.000-04:00

Himitsu-Bako is the formal name of the artistry referred to as the Japanese Puzzle Box, or 'personal secret box'. Over a century ago, talented artisans began using various woods of the Hakone-Odawara area in Japan to handcraft intricately designed storage boxes. Months could pass between not only choosing a variety of woods and letting them dry but carving them and piecing them together. Taking the assorted flat pieces in an array of different colors, artisans worked masterfully complex designs. The result was a sleekly designed piece of art that was anywhere from one inch to one foot in length. Each box is a work unto itself with no one box an exact copy of another. Read More...

Collectible Japanese Puzzle Boxes

2008-05-28T05:57:00.001-04:00

Himitsu Baku Japanese Puzzle Boxes are unique and fun to collect wooden box puzzles that have become a true passion for people who enjoy stimulating their minds in unique and innovative ways. These Himitsu Baku Japanese puzzle boxes are all functional, intriguing and truly beautiful. They are filled with secrets because they require between seven and one-hundred fifty special moves before they can be opened correctly. They can be found all over the world, but all authentic Himitsu Baku Japanese puzzle boxes are from Japan, which is where they are hand carved and crafted by some of the most innovative master artisans in the entire world. Read More...

Challenge your Mind with Himitsu Baku

2008-05-28T05:56:00.000-04:00

The Himitsu Baku is a Japanese wooden puzzle box, handcrafted from wood by one of many master craftsmen. The men who create these boxes in Japan are renowned for their craftsmanship, because these are simply no ordinary boxes. The Himitsu Baku Japanese puzzle box is said to have been first developed in or around 1893, which was the tail end of the Edo period in Japan. The purpose of the Himitsu Baku Japanese puzzle box is to challenge those who wish to open it. The Himitsu Baku box consists of a number of small panels, decorated in intricate Japanese patterns that make it a perfect mantle piece decoration. These panels need to be moved slightly in different steps, and each of the steps loosens devices within the box that will allow it to be opened after a certain sequence has been completed. The most popular and more easily found Himitsu Baku Japanese puzzle boxes are found in four-step, seven-step, ten-step and twelve-step variations, though there are a number of other variations as well. There have been Japanese puzzle boxes created by master craftsmen that require as many as 125 or 150 'moves' to open them, but these boxes are extremely difficult to find, and many of the craftsmen responsible for their creation have passed on. Read More...

Himitsu Bako

2008-05-24T18:30:00.001-04:00

Himitsu bako is a name given to small boxes made by combining unique puzzle mechanism with Yosegi-Zaiku and/or Moku-Zougan inlay work. The merging of two arts, native to a single small town along the banks of Ashino-Ko Lake. Welcome to Hakone, Japan and the art of the Japanese Secret Box, also known in the west as a Japanese Puzzle Box. Himitsu Bako

A Closer Look at Yosegi

2008-05-24T18:29:00.001-04:00

Yosegi Zaiku, is an intricate mosaic marquetry process that is made into a beautiful veneer. This veneer is used to decorate everything from chopsticks and serving trays to the amazing Himitsu Bako (Japanese Puzzle Boxes). Various woods of different colors are harvested, dried, and shaved or cut into different shapes that are then combined to make the basic patterns. These patterns are then arranged to make sheets that are shaved into the veneer. Yosegi Sample Pictures

Japanese Puzzle Box Glossary

2008-05-18T06:37:00.001-04:00

Any time an art form is brought from its native country, along with it comes many terms that need translation to understand. These terms are also incorporated in the names of the articles themselves and the designs and patterns. Below is a list of terms relative to Japanese Puzzle Boxes. Puzzle Box Glossary

About Our Puzzle Boxes

2008-05-17T06:54:00.001-04:00

As with any items made from wood they will swell when exposed to high temperatures, liquids, or humidity. Japanese puzzle boxes should be protected from extremes in temperature and humidity. The inside of your home or office is fine, just keep them away from direct sunlight. About Our Puzzle Boxes

Organizing your life with Feng Shui

2008-01-21T06:08:00.000-05:00

People seek advice on a property they’re going to purchase, an already owned house and a business that is in doldrums, a ‘home office’- that’s a make shift garage, basement area or a verandah creatively put up as a plush office or a niche with a pc, furniture that is within a swanky home. Chinese metaphysics is basically the arranging of the five elements of nature i.e. wood, water, fire, metal and earth. It is a science that helps in rearranging the elements in our surroundings and environment to help us lead a peaceful life. Feng shui can be used at home as well as at our work place. The basic necessity is to organize the ‘chi’(energy) that flows around us. All the objects around us possess this ‘chi’( energy) and direct our life. If this energy is allowed to flow freely we can have a harmonious life. By placing these objects in the Feng shui way one can enhance their day to day life. The famous Trump castle and Disney Land have used Feng shui. Each area of your life (health, wealth, reputation, family, travel, and so on) is strongly associated with various parts of your home. The beauty of Feng shui is that it identifies all these places in your house, which you have been living in for years unnoticed. Placing simple things available with you or buying Feng shui decorative articles to enhance the ‘chi’or neutralize the negative ‘chi’ is a part of using Feng shui in your life. A laughing Buddha or a wind chime or a wooden flute can do the trick. Plants and flowers also play a positive role in Feng shui. The color green reflects growth and prosperity. Positioning a money plant or a bamboo plant in water at your wealth corner can make your wealth grow and you will soon hear the jingle of money. Another perfect way to create chi is by making flower arrangements using the principles of Feng Shui. By using flowers, you will attract positive energy, fulfillment, and joy in every aspect of your life. At home Feng shui can be used for all the rooms including bathrooms. Surprised? In the bathroom if the flush tank is not properly placed then all the prosperity can be flushed out. The living room should not be cluttered. Dusting and keeping the home airy daily will drive the negative ‘chi’ away. Try to keep minimum furniture in the living room. The entrance passage to the house should be well lit and no object should be placed there. Front door position is very important for people living in the house. Kitchen is another place that needs to balance the ‘chi’. Where there should be water if oven is placed it will have adverse effect on the inmates. Placing Feng shui objects to energize certain places can help. The same goes for bedrooms and other rooms also.Even offices can use Feng shui for business enhancement. Use Feng shui and learn how to balance the ‘chi’ and lead a trouble free life.

INDIA HISTORY

2007-02-01T06:26:00.000-05:00

The first real civilization in India was around 2500 BC, living near the Indus River valley. From 1500 BC to around 200 BC, Aryan invaders came from central Asia, taking over control of the northern regions or India. With them, they brought traditions for raising cattle and eating meat, along with gods. However, in the 8th century, the caste system, which was a hierarchy governed by strict rules took back supremacy. Historians then tell us that around 500 BC, Buddhism became the religion of India, being embraced by the Indian people while driving through Hinduism beliefs. During the time from 40 to 600 AD, several Indian empires rose and fell and at this time, the practice of Buddhism began to decline. Around this time, north India separated into different Hindu kingdoms, especially after being invaded by the Huns. These kingdoms remained segregated until the Muslims arrived in 1192 from the Middle East. Over the next 20 years, all of Ganges basin was under the control of the Muslims and Islam was not able to penetrate the south. Additionally, two powerful kingdoms were formed in what we know today as Karnataka. This region consisted of two kingdoms - Vijayanagar, a Hindu kingdom and Bahmani, a fragmented Muslim kingdom. By 1525, the Sultan of Delhi was defeated by Mughal emperors. As they came to Afghanistan, they brought with them a new age. By the 17th century, Goa was controlled by the Portuguese and trading posts had been established by the Dutch, Danes, and the French. In 1803 when the British took control over the Marathas, the majority of India was now controlled by a British East Indian Company that had created a trading post in 1612 in Gujarat. India was looked upon only as a place to make money, setting the religious beliefs and culture aside. By now, the British were expanding coal mining and iron, and soon moved their focus to plantations to growing cotton, coffee, and tea. In addition, the massive rail network of India was under construction. Unfortunately, absentee proprietors were encouraged, which took the responsibility of tax and administration collection off them. However, the result was a landless peasantry was created that was horribly impoverished. Today, that very problem remains in West Bengal and Bihar. Then in 1857, there was a mutiny in the northern part of the country, which ended the East India Company. With that, the British government was handed over administration of India. When World War II erupted, Indian independence and colonialism was hit hard. Even so, the Muslim minority declared that India would be independent but dominated by Hindu, causing communalism to grow. This brought out a political standoff and increasing tension among the people. Therefore, the country was divided, meaning that two powerful Muslim regions now resided on opposites ends of the country. Because of that, Pakistan would soon be divided by a hostile country. Once the division was publicized, the most impressive exodus in history occurred when the Muslims moved to Pakistan while the Sikhs and Hindus moved to India. At that, more than 10 million people took different sides. Experts believe this mass exodus resulted in 250,000 people losing their lives. However, after this traumatic change, the country’s first prime minister named Jawaharlal Nehru, created socialist central planning and many strict policies. Even with clashes in Pakistan from 1965 to 1971, the country continued to be led by people who cared about India and its people. Although Jawaharlal Nehru had since left the position of prime minister, his daughter, Indira Gandhi took over in 1966. Regarded with respect, she had a bad habit of getting involved with the democratic basis of the country, which led to her being assassinated in 1984 by Sikh bodyguards. However, the Gandhi presence in India would continue when her son took the position. Rajiv came in with power and determination and with him, brought new policies. With his guidance, India was brought out of isolationism in the 1990s but he too was assassinated while on tour for re-election when a supporter of the Sri Lanka’s Tamil Tigers took his life. Sadly, unrest continued throughout the country with terrorist activity. Then in 1998, India’s first nuclear weapons were tested even though some were outraged. Today, India is a country still trying to set boundaries and determine leadership. It is a beautiful country but one that should be visited with caution, especially in sight of the current war. What you will find when visiting India is a country with a long, rich history. The main religion remains Hinduism, which is practiced by about 80% of the population. In all, more than 100 million Muslims live in India, which makes this country the largest of all Muslim nations. In all, there are approximately 18 million Sikhs, who live primarily in the Punjab. Although there is no one language in India, you will find 18 different languages spoken there to include English. You will discover beautiful Indian art, which usually has some type of religious theme. Other fascinating aspects of this country include temple architecture and sculpture, classical Indian dance, miniature paintings, and mesmeric Indian music. The people of Indian are no different from others in that they enjoy theater and film, which consists mostly of melodramas based on music, romance, and violence. As far as diet, some Hindus are vegetarians, living mainly in the south part of the country, but not all are. In fact, to the north you will find meat a common part of meals. They use what is called a Mughal style that is similar to Central Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. For instance, the food is generally spices. They also prefer breads and grains more than they do rise. Now, the south is where rice is the main dish, often spiced with hot curry. When eating, no utensils are used, just fingers and hands. Just remember, it is considered impolite to eat with the left hand! Covering some 1.2 million square miles, India is the seventh largest country in the world, bordered by China and Pakistan. To the north are beautiful snow-capped peaks as well as lush valleys of the Himalayas. However, you will also find plains and plateaus that reach between 1,000 and 2,950 feet. You will even find magnificent hills along with fertile coastlines. The one thing you cannot take away from India is the incredible festivals. For example, the Republic Day Festival is held every January in Delhi. This festival is bright and colorful, featuring a magnificent procession, elephants, and much of the Indian culture on display. Then in February, Holi is held, which is considered one of India’s finest festivals. Taking place in the northern section, colored water and red powder are thrown on as many people as possible in one day. Other festivals include Shi’ite Muharram, Kumbh Mela, Rath Yatra, the Nehru Cup Snake Boat Races, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra Festival, the Festival of the Gods, Diwali, Camel Festival, and more!

WHAT ARE AZTECS

2006-11-16T11:41:00.000-05:00

Aztecs are Indians known for their control over south and central Mexico, ruling primarily between the 14th and 16th centuries. The name “Aztec” comes from their homeland of the north called Azatlan. Amongst the Indians, they call themselves Mexica. In addition, the language spoken by the Aztecs comes from the Nauatlan branch of the Uto-Aztecan family. This particular tribe of Indians created the Toltec civilization, which was the result of hundreds of people coming to Lake Texcoco. The families that migrated to this area later were left to choose only swamp land, leaving the prime land to those who arrived first. For the late comers, the swamp provided just a single plot of land, completely enveloped by marshes. Although it seemed impossible, the Aztecs took their difficult situation, turning it into what we know as the Aztec Empire. History shows us that the Aztec Empire was created partially on legend, which states that from the swampy area, an eagle could be seen eating a snake while perched high upon a cactus growing out of the swamps. This legend also states that the priests claimed when they came to this new land, this was the first thing they saw. Through hard work and determination, the capital city called Tenochtitlan was completed in 1325. Amazingly, technology for this time included pipelines, bridges, and chinapas, which were small islands created by piling up mounds of mud. The Aztec people took full advantage of the chinapas, growing many foods such as beans, corn, chilies, squash, tobacco, and tomatoes. Then, as a way of showing homage and respect to the gods, the capital city was covered in huge religious statues. These gods according to the Aztec beliefs is that they control every aspect of the Astec’s daily life. For example, Uitzilpochtli is the sun god, Coyolxauhqui is the moon goddess, Tlaloc is the rain god, and the creator of the calendar and writing is Quetzalcoatl. In addition to worshipping gods, the Aztec people also believe strongly in sacrifices. In fact, the high priest would choose a man or woman, laying him or her over a round stone. Then with a very sharp knife, the individual’s heart would be cut out. With this type of sacrifice, the belief was that the good gods would stop the bad gods from carrying out evil deeds. They also believed that the good gods drew their strength and power from the shed human blood and heart. Because they depended so heavily on the gods, they needed to continually keep them strong. Some rituals involved warriors being sacrificed, which was considered the ultimate honor. If a small sacrifice was required, then a prisoner would be used. For marriage among the Aztec people, the groom would tie his shirt to the bride’s dress as an expression of bonding. After being tied together, the couple would then burn incense for four consecutive days. When done, the wedding ceremony could commence. A change came about in 1519 when a Spanish explorer by the name of Hernando Cortes brought with him more than 500 men into the Aztec territory in their search for gold. Because the Aztec Indians believed Cortes was a white god so the held him in high regard. However, once the Aztecs saw Cortes and his men melting down their gold statues to ship back to Spain, their opinion changed dramatically.

THE ARTIST – KUNIMASA

2006-11-13T11:31:00.000-05:00

Being a pupil of Toyokuni Utagawa, Kunimasa’s work with woodblock prints was not only rare, but in high demand due to the detailing and quality. Kunimasa actually focused his artistic abilities doing work as a printmaker until 1805. At that time, he turned his direction to Kabuki actor portraits. As you can imagine, actors loved his work, often seeking him out to do a special painting.

Kunimasa originated from Aizu, which is a province in Iwashiro. At first, his work was solely to work in the dye shop when he made his way to Edo, which is today’s Tokyo. His work was so amazing and crisp that he was quickly noticed by Toyokuni. Soon after meeting, Kunimasa was asked to become an apprentice under Toyokuni’s guiding hand.

Again, while Kunimasa is best known for his beautiful work on Kabuki actors, he also focused his attention on Bijinga, which are portraits of beautiful women. As with most woodblock artists, each has a distinct style. For Kunimasa, his style focuses on capturing the intensity of Sharaku, using decorative pageantry that he learned from his master Toyokuni. Even though many compare his work in this way, and while Kunimasa is highly regarded as a woodblock artist, many believed he never achieved the degree of intensity that you would see with Sharaku.

Kunimasa actively painted woodblock prints from 1773 to 1810. One of his most amazing prints was a heartfelt tribute to Ebizo when he retired in 1796 from the Kabuki stage. Although he could have captured the actor in a number of ways, he chose a Shibaraku scene, which is ranked as the most famous and impressive of all drama. In this type of scene, the actor bursts onto the Hanamichi walkway coming from the backside of the theater, shouting “Shibaraku”, which translates in English to “Wait a Moment”. This shout draws attention, as the actor makes his way to the stage to save characters from death.

What we see with Kunimasa in his portrait of Ebizo was this scene, which was truly incredible. In addition, this particular portrait was done as a “large head” portrait, which is known as Okubi-e. As you can imagine, this depiction captures a unique profile of the actor. Also captured in the portrait is the colorful and detailed costume, as well as actor’s makeup. Then, you would see Ebizo’s wig, paper decorations tucked neatly beneath a black lacquer coat, green, detailed jacket, and the persimmon-colored costume. The overall presentation is stunning and the crux of this artist’s skill.

THE ARTIST – KUNICHIKA

2006-11-09T06:58:00.000-05:00

This particular artist, Kunichika, was born in 1835. As a serious student of Kunisada and Chikanobu, he took a part of each of his master’s names to create his own unique name, although his full name is Toyohara Kunichika. Born just outside Tokyo, this artist’s name was originally Yasohachi Oshima. As early as the age of 11, Kunichika took an interest in Chikanobu, the Ukiyo-e master. Then by 13, Kunichika was allowed to begin an apprenticeship. Although young, he soon started a name with a number of favorites although his most prized subjects were that of historical scenes, as well as Kabuki actors.

In 1863, Kunichika created an amazing portrait of Kunisada. His depiction was of a man with a very, thin fact, baldhead, and long nose. One year later, Kunisada passed away, a time when Kunichika’s portrait became popular. Although he is considered one of the most talented of all Ukiyo-e masters, history tells us that this artist was rather odd, an artist with a Bohemian type style.

At the age of 26, Kunichika was married. Soon to follow was a beautiful daughter named Hana. Interestingly, history is somewhat controversial on what happened next, some saying that he left her and others saying she left him. Regardless, what we do know is that Kunichika was fond of the women, having numerous companions. Kunichika was also bored easily, which is why it is believed he moved more than 100 times in his lifetime.

The one thing you cannot take away from Kunichika is his dramatic personality, almost to a point of being a show off. We do know that this artist had a strong interest in drinking and visiting the local brothels. However, Kunichika was also an amazing artist with a real passion for the Japanese theater, also known as Kabuki. Many times, he would make his way backstage during performances so he could spend time sketching various actors.

In addition to his actor prints, Kunichika was an amazing artist, capturing historic scenes and gorgeous women. While he had many highlights during his life, he was given special credit by a Tokyo newspaper in 1865, 1867, and 1885. We also know that his work was highly respected although he was never given the recognition that he so wanted by his master Kunisada. His designs were relatively easy to spot, usually designed with rich red and deep purple, often as the background of his prints. These colors were created with aniline dyes imported from Germany.

Today, you can still find Kunichika prints, which cost anywhere from $10 to $600 or more. One of the benefits to this artist’s creations is that the dye used does not fade. Therefore, even the prints you would find in “good” condition would be exceptional and bright. The only drawback is that this type of dye can bleed. Therefore, it is recommended that you look carefully at any Kunichika prints or designs to ensure there is no to few flaws. Although Kunichika died in 1900, he left behind many exceptional pieces to include a series of prints based on the Tale of Genji.

THE ARTIST – KIYOHIRO TORII

2006-11-05T18:32:00.000-05:00

If you were to look back to the earliest Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, you would see that only Sumi ink was used, which was black. This particular ink was created by mixing soot with water. Because of the ink, the woodblock prints were called Sumizuri-e. However, from 1704 to 1715 during the Kanei and Shotoku periods, mineral pigment was used to create two to three colors, which was then called Tan-e.

Over the next 15 years during the Kyoho period, vegetable pigment was used. This ink was created from using Beni, which is a type of safflower, giving the prints a slight look of transparency. The prints using vegetable pigment soon changed to Beni-e, which resulted in prints that were brushed by hand but simply beautiful. Read More...

THE ARTIST – HOKUSAI

2006-10-10T08:30:00.000-04:00

Katsushika Hokusai was born in today’s Tokyo in 1760, a time when the name was Edo. Although his father made a living making mirrors, Hokusai took interest around the age of 18 in wood engraving. Wanting to further his commitment to woodblock prints, he entered Katsukawa Shunsho school, which was run by a man of the same name who was a magnificent painter and color print designer. What made Katsukawa so unique is his ability to push past traditions. Katsukawa’s focus was so intense that from 1796 go 1802, he produced upwards of 30,000 color prints and book illustrations. Studying hard, Hokusai became quite skilled, producing... Read More...

THE ARTIST – CHIKANOBU

2006-10-09T11:21:00.000-04:00

In Asian culture, woodblock prints were extremely popular options of art. Today, you still find people around the world interested in this type of art, being unique, detailed, and beautifully colored. One particular artist of woodblock prints is named Chikanobu. While there are a number of interesting factors surrounding this artist, the most fascinating is his split personality, which resulted in varying styles of work. For starters, Chikanobu was known to create Kabuki theater triptychs. Typically, these woodblock prints were designed using vibrant colors such as purple and red. Included in these productions were various style figures that you would expect from the Utagawa School but little creativity or originality. However, Chikanobu’s other genre was related to history, specifically during the late 19th century. Many of these pieces have become exceedingly popular to include “Snow, Moon, and Flowers”, and “Shin Bijin”. Read More...

Latin Reference Section Layout

2006-08-18T09:38:00.000-04:00

For over a year our writers have been working on our reference section to prepare for the launch of Latin Art Mall. We have hundreds of articles on the History, Arts and Crafts, Cuisine, Flora and Fauna of Mexico, Central and South America.

In addition to articles about the products we sell, there are hundreds of interesting articles about the life and culture of various countries and just about everything you could imagine. From the Inca, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations to the Best resorts in Mexico; you will find it all.

Visit our Reference Section...

UKIYO-E WOODBLOCK PRINTS AND BOOKS

2006-08-11T10:06:00.000-04:00

The art of the woodblock is exemplified in Ukiyo-e, which exploited the full potential of this printmaking medium. In Ukiyo-e, each image was created through the collaborative effort of four skilled individuals: the publisher who coordinated the efforts of the specialized artisans and marketed the artworks; the artist who designed the artworks and drew them in ink on paper; the carver who meticulously carved the designs into a woodblock, or, in most cases, a series of woodblocks (during the Edo period the number of blocks averaged ten to sixteen); and a printer who applied pigments to the woodblocks and printed each color on handmade paper. Each member of this team was highly skilled and had nearly equal responsibilities for the final result. The woodblock images in this exhibition display a broad spectrum of styles and printing techniques. The early prints are spare and monochromatic, printed in black ink only, some with minimal hand-coloring. Later works are built up in lavish layers of printed color, some with embossed areas created by the interplay of pressure, carving, and paper texture. In some works, flecks of ground metal or mica have been applied to surfaces, creating areas that shimmer; in some a thick passage of glue and black printing ink creates a lacquer-like surface. Perhaps most associated with loose sheet prints, Ukiyo-e is also richly represented in woodblock-printed picture books, called ehon. Printing techniques which both text and illustrations were carved into woodblocks provided the means by which large numbers of books could be produced without having to undergo the laborious and expensive process of hand copying, which had previously been the norm. Popular books, art manuals, and albums were produced in quantity using the same techniques that allowed for the mass production of Ukiyo-e prints. As a vehicle for Ukiyo-e, woodblock printing was particularly successful, producing in quantity stunningly beautiful artworks that were available at a relatively low cost. The Library's collection numbering approximately 2000 woodblock prints and 400 block-printed ehon, attests to the unrivaled craftsmanship, technical excellence, and spectacular results that Ukiyo-e artists were able to achieve in woodblock printing.

Taxco Mexico

2006-04-20T06:02:00.000-04:00

While Mexico offers a number of interesting places, Taxco is probably one of the most, unique in that its history is a blend of fact and fiction. Situated in the hills between Acapulco and the southwest region of Mexico City, this state is one of the oldest mining locations in the Americas. With colonial ambience that consists of cobblestone, winding streets, red-tiled roofs, and stunning 240-year-old cathedrals, Taxco is charming and beautiful to visit. Prior to the Spanish coming to this area, Taxco was called Tlacho by the Indians. The name Tlacho means “place of the ballgame. According to what history tells us, this local where the Aztec Indians required locals to pay tribute using gold bars. Then in 1521, Hernan Cortes and the Spanish armies took over control of the Aztecs. Then in 1522, Cortex staked his claim to the mining of Taxco. However, by the end of the 16th century, word about silver had spread throughout Europe, making Taxco famous for its riches. In fact, Taxco soon became the main source of precious metals for Spain, which led it to becoming an active mining region. Over time, mining slowed down as other areas around Taxco became more accessible. Within 200 years, the mining in Taxco stopped completely. In the early part of the 18th century, Don Jose de la Borda again discovered silver in Taxco. Striking fortune, he built a number of infrastructures to include schools, houses, and even roads. In fact, the amazing Santa Prisca Cathedral, which is highly ornate with gold trim in a Baroque style, was one of his creations where he served as a priest. Today, this very cathedral is seen all across the area, as it literally glitters in the bright sunlight. With Don Jose being considered the father of Taxco, he finally left the area, leaving mines behind not being worked. After he left, more than 12 churches were constructed, all beautiful. In the 19th century, the mines were destroyed during the War for Independence rather than let revolutionaries take control. Then in the 1920s, a road was built going from Mexico City to Taxco. Then a United States citizen and associate architecture professor by the name of William Spratling moved to the area, welcoming influential circles. By 1931, Ambassador Dwight Morrow from the United States made a comment to Spratling that silver mines were dominant in Taxco for centuries. This comment changed the course of both artistic and economic history. Finding the local people to be highly talented and eager to work and learn, artists in the community surfaced where the craft of silversmith became big business. With Spratling’s designs, an apprentice program was created for young artists so they could hone their silversmith skills. To teach the art of working with precious metals, he brought in a highly trained and reputable goldsmith. The result was incredible silver and gold art specific to the Taxco region.

Cambodia Ancient History

2006-04-11T09:02:00.000-04:00

Cambodia Ancient History

Archaeological evidence indicates that parts of the region now called Cambodia were inhabited during the first and second millennia B.C. by peoples having a Neolithic culture. By the first century A.D., the inhabitants had developed relatively stable, organized societies, which had far surpassed the primitive stage in culture and technical skills. The most advanced groups lived along the coast and in the lower Mekong River valley and delta regions, where they cultivated irrigated rice and kept domesticated animals.

Scholars believe that these people may have been Austro-Asiatic in origin and related to the ancestors of the groups who now inhabit insular Southeast Asia and many of the islands of the Pacific Ocean. They worked metals, including both iron and bronze, and possessed navigational skills. Mon-Khmer people, who arrived at a later date, probably intermarried with them. The Khmer who now populate Cambodia may have migrated from southeastern China to the Indochinese Peninsula before the first century A.D. They are believed to have arrived before their present Vietnamese, Thai, and Lao neighbors.

Cambodia

Early Indianized Kingdom of Funan

At about the time that the ancient peoples of Western Europe were absorbing the classical culture and institutions of the Mediterranean, the peoples of mainland and insular Southeast Asia were responding to the stimulus of a civilization that had arisen in northern India during the previous millennium. The Britons, Gauls, and Iberians experienced Mediterranean influences directly, through conquest by and incorporation into the Roman Empire. In contrast, the Indianization of Southeast Asia was a slower process than the Romanization of Europe because there was no period of direct Indian rule and because land and sea barriers that separated the region from the Indian subcontinent are considerable. Nevertheless, Indian religion, political thought, literature, mythology, and artistic motifs gradually became integral elements in local Southeast Asian cultures. The caste system never was adopted, but Indianization stimulated the rise of highly-organized, centralized states.

Funan, the earliest of the Indianized states, generally is considered by Cambodians to have been the first Khmer kingdom in the area. Founded in the first century A.D., Funan was located on the lower reaches of the Mekong River in the delta area. Its capital, Vyadhapura, probably was located near the present-day town of Phumi Banam in Prey Veng Province. The earliest historical reference to Funan is a Chinese description of a mission that visited the country in the third century A.D. The name Funan derives from the Chinese rendition of the old Khmer word bnam (meaning mountain). What the Funanese called themselves, however, is not known.

During this early period in Funan's history, the population was probably concentrated in villages along the Mekong River and along the Tonle Sab River below the Tonle Sap. Traffic and communications were mostly waterborne on the rivers and their delta tributaries. The area was a natural region for the development of an economy based on fishing and rice cultivation. There is considerable evidence that the Funanese economy depended on rice surpluses produced by an extensive inland irrigation system. Maritime trade also played an extremely important role in the development of Funan. The remains of what is believed to have been the kingdom's main port, Oc Eo (now part of Vietnam), contain Roman as well as Persian, Indian, and Greek artifacts.

By the fifth century A.D., the state exercised control over the lower Mekong River area and the lands around the Tonle Sap. It also commanded tribute from smaller states in the area now comprising northern Cambodia, southern Laos, southern Thailand, and the northern portion of the Malay Peninsula.

Indianization was fostered by increasing contact with the subcontinent through the travels of merchants, diplomats, and learned Brahmans (Hindus of the highest caste traditionally assigned to the priesthood). Indian immigrants, believed to have arrived in the fourth and the fifth centuries, accelerated the process. By the fifth century, the elite culture was thoroughly Indianized. Court ceremony and the structure of political institutions were based on Indian models. The Sanskrit language was widely used; the laws of Manu, the Indian legal code, were adopted; and an alphabet based on Indian writing systems was introduced.

Funan reached its zenith in the fifth century A.D.. Beginning in the early sixth century, civil wars and dynastic strife undermined Funan's stability, making it relatively easy prey to incursions by hostile neighbors. By the end of the seventh century, a northern neighbor, the kingdom of Chenla, had reduced Funan to a vassal state.