*pets this fine example of miniature painting* So, okay, miniature painting in regards to the Indian usage of the term is a misnomer because it just refers to portraiture in general, and more specifically, a certain type of portraiture. This is a good example where the sitter is exalted for their wealth and elegance and beauty, and framed by exquisite and ornate art that reflects the same.
Category: Asian art
Monday
If you ever try to tell me that Christian art is more beautiful than other religious art, I will remind you that in different parts of SLAM, this exists on the same floor as a statue of the baby Jesus that looks like Robin the Frog from the Muppets. So put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Sunday
I’m pretty sure that the hallmarks of prehistoric art are pretty much 1) draw/paint/sculpt an animal, 2) draw/paint/sculpt a human being, 3) draw/paint/sculpt something to represent the god(s) of your choice (which can tie back to either #1 or #2). Landscapes didn’t come around till much later, but that’s another kettle of fish.
Saturday
This is an amazing piece of cultural Japanese history and we’re lucky that it’s survived, seeing as how floods and earthquakes and fires and wars and things. And that we know who it represents and why he is so important historically – especially in context today – makes it even more important now.
Friday
I love the cross-cultural confluence of Chinese-Tibetan-Indian styles in this statuette. You can clearly tell which culture influenced which portion.
Thursday
I just don’t even know where to begin with this one: it’s the epitome of high Bhuddist art without even trying, and yet, there are better, finer examples elsewhere. But… look at it. It’s perfect.
Wednesday
I always end up in front of this particular dish because it is just visually arresting. It just sucks you in and holds you tight and shakes you a little (for your lunch money, maybe? for your immortal soul?).
Thursday
(I wish I could’ve gotten a better photo of this jar because it’s absolutely stunning. However, it’s displayed in such a way that it just isn’t possible without glare at almost every angle – except this one.)
So, Japanese blue porcelain – true examples of it aren’t very common because they tended to break up the blue with other colors or metallic glazes, so when you find a good example, it’s usually not this large or detailed. It’s usually smaller and plate, saucer, or cup.
Sunday
This is pretty for the sake of being pretty. There’s not an ulterior motive for it, nor a practical usage for it. This is just something that you’d put out because you were cash rich and you wanted to flaunt it.
Sunday
It’s difficult to reconcile the age of some of these objects in the mind. They can’t possibly be so old, and yet, they are. And with such intricacy come so many experiments over many years, decades, generations, even – so how even did they begin to perfect the art of casting such perfect designed work?