Where does one draw the line between art and artifact? Is it when the materials are deemed semi-precious or rare? Is it when the object is rare or singular? Is it when said object is decorated or designed in such a way as to be aesthetically pleasing rather than just useful? In this case, I think the boxes ticked are material used (nephrite) and the type of axe (flat axe, which is more aesthetic and less useful than a curved axe in the Neolithic).
Tag: Asian art
Friday
So, I just exercised my Google-fu, as I really didn’t know anything about Bi-discs, and now I know a lot more. Bi (or annulus – plural, annular) discs were neolithic ritual objects tied most closely to burials. Most were jade (aka, nephrite), but some were glass (depending on your status and how much you could afford to spend), and the amount of decoration and the ornateness of the decoration also corresponded to how much money had been spent on the object’s commission. Bi discs are thought to have to do with creation mythology and other god mythos, but seeing as how there isn’t a written record, we can’t tell for certain. And, there we go. That’s your knowledge dump for the day.
Thursday
This vase is simply designed but elegant, and as such, is unerringly beautiful. The variance of lines and shadow in the blue glaze is not easily achieved, and as such, should be marveled at.
Wednesday
When we talk Chinese pottery, I’m constantly in awe of their versatility in working the glazes. You would think that this color scheme would get muddied as it fired, but not so much. The detailing in the clay on the bird it delightful as well.
Tuesday
This statuette is tiny. Very, very wee. It is yet another case of ‘small but mighty’. For while it is tiny, it is absolutely gorgeous, delicate, and important.
Monday
Unlike yesterday’s Buddha, our Bodhissattva today is rather the worse for wear. However, it is still intricately carved and beautiful. The detailing of this carving is truly on par with, if not exceeds, the work of the greats of the Italian Renaissance.
Sunday
Our friend here is exquisitely carved from the finest marble. He is very important in that everything about him is symbolic and beautiful, as well as extremely important to the spirituality of the Buddhist religion. Plus? very serene and calming.
Saturday
While not as ritualistic as Japanese and Chinese art, Korean art is more function over form – everything is clearly intended for use, rather than for trotting out for show.
Friday
This Buddha has a facial expression like mine after working overnight for multiple days straight. However, this Buddha is also a lot prettier than I am.
Friday
Y’all, it’s a dagger. A curve-bladed dagger, typical Mughal style, very simple, very pretty, nice and stabby. We do love our stabbity objects over here.