Treasures – Emperor Qianlong’s Three Connected Stone Seals (Qing Dynasty)
Emperor Qianlong’s Three Connected Stone Seals 三联印 are an exquisite set of imperial seals carved from a single, rare pieceContinue Reading
Category: Travels
工作不忘娱乐 All work and no play makes J a dull boy.
Jinci Temple 晋祠 – 1/3 The Origin and Highlights
It was built to commemorate the first Marquis of Jin, Tang Shu Yu, but somehow it became a Taoist temple for his mother.
Jinci Temple 晋祠 – 1/3 起源和亮點
It was built to commemorate the first Marquis of Jin, Tang Shu Yu, but somehow it became a Taoist temple for his mother.
National Treasures – Han Huang, “Five Oxen” (Tang Dynasty)
A fine painting can portray many stories. This is one of the reasons that Five Oxen is regarded as one of the top 10 masterpieces in Chinese art history.
Treasures – Painted Pottery Horse Inlaid With Gold (Tang)
For all those born beneath an angry star
Lest we forget how fragile we are
– Sting, “Fragile” (1988)
Treasures – National Day Rally Rostrum from National Theatre (c. 1970s)
A nation waited with bated breath about plans for the future, delivered behind this familiar rostrum.
Treasures – Three Dings of Song (Western Zhou)
We are three. The moon comes from its quiet corner, puts a pitcher of water down in the center. The circle of surface flames. / One of us kneels to kiss the threshold. / One drinks, with wine flames playing over his face. / One watches the gathering, and says to any cold onlookers, / ‘This dance is the joy of existence’.
– “We Three”, Rumi (1207-1273)
Forbidden City – Qianlong Garden 乾隆花園
Built as part of a retirement home, Qianlong Garden 乾隆花園 is the peak of the artistic achievement of an era.
Treasures – Gilt Zhongs with Dragon Pattern (Qing Dynasty)
I heard the bells on Christmas Day /
Their old, familiar carols play, /
And wild and sweet /
The words repeat /
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
– “Christmas Bells”, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807 –1882)
Treasures – Fang Cong “Copy of ‘A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains’ by Wang Ximeng” (Qing Dynasty)
As they say, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”