Puntogf Antiques.

Chinese Bronze Carved

Free Treasures...for the Viewing C

Amid the spacious and magnificently wooded campus with old growth trees, we approached the red brick, eclectic Victorian, late 19th Century University Fine Arts Museum building, AKA, “Old Gym.” We had arrived--destination Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN, five millennia of Chinese art.

As avid University Museum buffs, this was a new “site.” Joseph Mella, museum director, kindly lead us through the exhibit --Beauty and Power: Chinese Art from the Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Collection.

The wood floored, high ceilinged gallery held 66 pieces dating from within the Neolithic period (6000-2000 B.C.E.) to Qing Dynasty pieces (1616-1911).

Perched on a platform above eye level was a life sized Buddhist sculpture. This Bodhisattva (a Buddhist designation for one who postpones Nirvana until all sentient beings have been saved) was made of clay with painted and gilded decoration. Gazing with eyes from the 17th Century, its serene face and meditative lotus pose captured our attention and “held us.”

Pieces which let us travel further back in time were two jade ritual funerary objects from Neolithic gravesites. A green “bi Disk” was of flat circular form with a smaller concentric opening. A second piece was in the form of a four sided cylinder. Referred to as a “cong” this object for the dead had an incised surface and a most perfectly formed hollow shaft interior. What was this tomb piece used for? Suggestion was that it was a protective object, used in the afterlife. We mused on the significance of using jade.

Eugene was inspired by a group of four Qing dynasty scrolls. The free brush work of paint on the long and narrow black paper showed the use of “chiaroscuro “ to shade out the twisting and turning of images, lending a softness to the works. These pieces had such a naturalistic look with an uncanny resemblance to early photographic negatives, with darks and lights being reversed. I bonded with a Western Han Dynasty bronze tripod vessel used to cook meat. Heavy , substantial and well designed, I wondered what kinds of meals it cooked in its time.

This exhibit included bronze vessels, carvings in jade, Buddhist images, lacquer pieces, ceramic ware, arts of the tomb, scholarly paintings and ancestral portraits. Joseph Mella gave a very complete description of the genesis of the present collection with detailed accounts of many of the patrons who made the collection possible through generous gifts over the past 35 years. One strikingly elegant piece was called Vessel with incised Lilies. This Ding white porcelain vase was made for the Royal Family from the Northern Song Dynasty. It was donated in 1999 and, as one of the collection highlights, is valued at $200,000.

We returned the following day to spend more time encountering the beauty and the power of the pieces and felt awed to have been in touch with “glimpses” of past Chinese life, through its art. The gallery offers a quiet setting to experience works. This exhibit closed September 22 and was in conjunction with a lecture on September 20, 2007 entitled Sino-Tibetan Tankas for the Ming Court, given by Marsha Haufler, Professor of Art History at the University of Kansas.

A new exhibit entitled More Than One: New Contemporary Prints and Multiples from the Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Collection will run from October 4 - December 7, 2007

Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Gallery is located at 23rd and West End Avenues, Nashville, Tn.

For more information: 615-322-0605 Gallery 615-343-1704 Office

About the Author

ART EDUCATION, CURRICULA AND ADVISING

As art educators, we provide K-12 Advising for teachers and Workshops for Children based on our "Art By Choice" (c) Books. We also offer Corporate Art Workshops for Adults by Arrangement.

http://brwm.org/artedadvice/

Chinese Carved Lacquer $27.44 Chinese Carved Lacquer

Chinese Calligraphy $7.99 Chinese Caligraphy: Written by Chen Tingyou a member of the Chinese Calligrapher's association has completed this definitive work introducing the origin, forms and developments of Chinese Calligraphy. Chinese calligraphy is the quintessence of Chinese culture. When the ancient Orientals carved the earliest abstract symbols on the walls of their cave houses, and on animal bones and tortoise shells, their symbolic action marked the beginning of the Chinese written language and civilization. At the same time it indicated the beginning of the splendor of Chinese calligraphy. This is a beautifully soft bound book with inner flaps. It is filled with beautiful color and black and white photos. There are 18 chapters dealing with various strains of calligraphy such as the beauty of strokes, conveying the emotions of the author, Oracle bone inscriptions and inscriptions on ancient bronze objects, two master of the Tang dynasty, and more. This is a China Cultural series and is published by the China Intercontinental Press. This will make a besutiful addition to your library.

Hand Carved Bronze Flowers in Vase Wall Decor $267 -Hand Carved Resinated Wood

Mahogany 35-Inch Chinese Display Cabinet with Carved Trim $658 Generations of fine Chinese craftsmanship come together to bring you this antique style storage display cabinet, skillfully handcrafted from wood. Present your favorite photographs and home accessories to your family and friends from the ornately carved display area, while storing other valued possessions inside the carved cabinet space. Hide your most treasured possessions in the secret sliding drawer located below the cabinet space. Intricately detailed wooden foliage carvings are featured around the display space. The carved bottom of the cabinet consists of a scalloped molded base with bracket feet. Each side features carved spaces that provide added windows into the display area. Exquisite detail throughout this Chinese original is a testament to the artisan's expert craftsmanship. Measures 35 inches high x 31 inches wide x 8 inches long. AsiaEXP strives to maintain the cultural continuity of Chinese artistic traditions. Products from AsiaEXP help to keep the ancient artisan traditions of Chinese communities alive. Your purchase provides a means of support for native artisans while they pursue their craft. The artistic traditions that went into making this cabinet have been passed down through generations and are hundreds of years old. Every piece is hand-carved with exceptional attention to detail to ensure an individual design. The handcrafted nature of this product will produce minor differences in design and sizing. Subtle variations will occur from piece to piece, adding to the unique quality of individual items. Measurements may vary slightly.

Circles of Reflection : The Carter Collection of Chinese Bronze Mirror $69.95 Circles of Reflection : The Carter Collection of Chinese Bronze Mirror

Hand-carved Jade Chinese Dragon Figurine $17.94 *Add a beautiful touch of the Far East to your home or office with a radiant jade Chinese dragon *Accent piece is carved from rich, lustrous green jade *Sculpture makes a wonderful gift and an elegant decorative accessory *Figurine will add vitality and radiance to any decor *Dragons are symbols of power and strength *Displaying a jade dragon is said to protect one from slander and enhance one's reputation and confidence *Figurine features intricate hand-carved detail on head, sides and tail *Measures 2.5 inches high x 3 inches long x 0.5 inches wide The handcrafted nature of this item will produce minor differences in design, color and sizing. Subtle variations will occur from piece to piece, adding to the unique quality of individual creations. Measurements may vary slightly.

Hand Carved Bronze with Gold and Rose Toned Accents Wall Plaque $300 -Hand Carved Resinated Wood

Antique Style 47-Inch Storage Cabinet with Carved Chinese Prosperity Symbols $782 Introduce a stunning Chinese accent piece to your home decor when you decorate with this Oriental storage cabinet / TV stand, entirely handcrafted from wood. Featuring high quality, hand-carved designs, sturdy wood construction and a rich finish, this Chinese original is sure to enhance your home with an exotic Eastern feel. Traditional Chinese designs are hand-carved on the large cabinet door and the three drawers resting below. Beveled edges, antique style hardware and perfectly symmetrical side panels are a testament to the artisan's expert craftsmanship. Measures 47 inches high x 18 inches wide x 17 inches long. AsiaEXP strives to maintain the cultural continuity of Chinese artistic traditions. Products from AsiaEXP help to keep the ancient creative traditions of Chinese communities alive. Your purchase provides a means for native artisans to support themselves while simultaneously pursuing their craft. This not only enables talented individuals to practice their traditional profession, but also helps to preserve the rich cultural heritage of China. The artistic traditions that went into making this cabinet have been handed down through generations and are hundreds of years old. Every piece is hand-carved with exceptional attention to detail to ensure an individual design. The handcrafted nature of this product will produce minor differences in design and sizing. Subtle variations will occur from piece to piece, adding to the unique quality of individual pieces. Measurements may vary slightly. No assembly required.

Handmade Antique Style 47 Storage Cabinet With Carved Chinese Prosperity Symbols $549.99 Introduce a stunning Chinese accent piece to your home decor when you decorate with this Oriental storage cabinet / TV stand, entirely handcrafted from wood. Featuring high quality, hand-carved designs, sturdy wood construction and a rich finish, this Chinese original is sure to enhance your home with an exotic Eastern feel. Traditional Chinese designs are hand-carved on the large cabinet door and the three drawers resting below. Beveled edges, antique style hardware and perfectly symmetrical side panels are a testament to the artisan's expert craftsmanship. Measures 47 inches high x 18 inches wide x 17 inches long. AsiaEXP strives to maintain the cultural continuity of Chinese artistic traditions. By shopping with us, you are helping to keep the ancient creative traditions of Chinese communities alive. Your purchase provides a means for native artisans to support themselves while simultaneously pursuing their craft. This not only enables talented individuals to practice their traditional profession, but also helps to preserve the rich cultural heritage of China. The artistic traditions that went into making this cabinet have been handed down through generations and are hundreds of years old. Every piece is hand-carved with exceptional attention to detail to ensure an individual design. The handcrafted nature of this product will produce minor differences in design and sizing. Subtle variations will occur from piece to piece, adding to the unique quality of individual pieces. Measurements may vary slightly. No assembly required.

Redwood 30-Inch Chinese Display Cabinet Carved Gold Trim $640 Bring the sophistication and beauty of superb Chinese craftsmanship into your home with this antique style storage display cabinet, elegantly handmade from solid wood. Showcase your favorite photographs and home accessories in the convenient display area, while keeping valued items safely inside the intricately carved cabinet space. Stash your most prized and personal possessions in the secret sliding drawer located below the cabinet space. Highly detailed wooden foliage carvings wind their way around the display space while images of flowers and birds are hand-painted in a rich gold hue for added contrast and beauty. The carved bottom consists of a scalloped molded base with bracket feet. Each side of the cabinet features carved spaces that provide added windows into the display area. Exquisitely rendered detail throughout, this Chinese original is a testament to the artisan's expert craftsmanship. Measures 30 inches high x 30 inches wide x 9 inches long. AsiaEXP brings you authentic, handcrafted goods from a variety of world cultures. With this purchase you are not only receiving a beautiful product, but you are supporting the artisans and helping them to pursue their craft. This not only ensures the artistic development and financial stability of the talented individuals making these fine products, but also helps to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Chinese artisans. The handcrafted nature of this product will produce minor differences in design and sizing. Subtle variations will occur from piece to piece, adding to the unique quality of individual items. Measurements may vary slightly.

Bronze, Clay And Stone: Chinese Art In The C.C. Wang Family Collection $16.44 Bronze, Clay And Stone: Chinese Art In The C.C. Wang Family Collection

Masterpieces Of Chinese Lacquer: From The Mike Healy Collection $8.12 Masterworks of Chinese Lacquer from the Mike Healy Collection presents a wide range of exceptional Chinese lacquerware representing a broad time span and multiple techniques. The lacquers range in date from the later Han dynasty (1st-2nd century ce) to the late Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The earliest objects illustrated are a small red lacquer ear cup and a covered toiletries box of red and black lacquer. Both pieces are decorated with geometric swirls and spirals reminiscent of ancient bronze designs. The collection is also rich in uniquely Yuan dynasty lacquerware, which is noted for its austere and refined appearance. PCarved red and black lacquer, including multilayered carved lacquer and painted and filled lacquer are represented by stunning examples. Visually compelling and arresting in technique, these objects represent some of the finest Chinese lacquerware craftsmanship.

Carved $41.06 Buy and sell [Carved] at great prices.

French Carved Floral Plaque $258 Reproduced from an eighteenth century bar console, this lovely plaque is crafted of a resin/wood composite in a bronze finish.

Pair of Hand Carved Jade Chopsticks $14.99 Feast your eyes on this radiant Pair of Hand Carved Jade Chopsticks.*Handcrafted by skilled Chinese artisans *To be used as a decorative ornament *Made from pure Chinese jade *The Chinese have a rich and deep cultural legacy with jade, and believe that jade has supernatural power. Using jade wares and jade ornaments helps resist the intrusion of evil influences and spirits What is Worldstock?The handcrafted nature of this product will produce minor differences in design and sizing. Subtle variations will occur from piece to piece, adding to its unique qualities. Measurements may vary slightly.

Painted Red Leather Chinese Astrological Compass $35.49 *Journey through time with a one-of-a-kind Chinese desktop compass, handcrafted in exquisite antique-style elegance *Home decor item is carved from high-quality wood and covered with rich red leather *Decorative accessory features a lid ornamented with a traditional Chinese motif *Motif depicts four women of the Imperial court relaxing in a palatial courtyard *Hand-painted gold trim borders the lid *Antiqued brass hardware adorns the corners, lending an authentic, dynasty-era flavor *Latch reveals a functional old-world compass set in a protective enclosure *Chinese compasses were originally invented during the Han Dynasty and crafted from magnetite ore and cast bronze *Chinese scholars learned in the seventh century how to magnetize small needles, and thus the desktop compass was born *Compass makes a unique gift, office accessory or table centerpiece *Measures 7 inches wide x 7 inches long x 2 inches high The handcrafted nature of this product will produce minor differences in design and sizing. Subtle variations will occur from piece to piece, adding to its unique qualities. Measurements may vary slightly.

Painted Black Leather Chinese Astrological Compass $38.99 *Journey through time with a one-of-a-kind Chinese desktop compass, handcrafted in exquisite antique-style elegance *Home decor item is carved from high-quality wood and covered with rich black leather *Decorative accessory features a lid ornamented with a traditional Chinese motif *Motif depicts four women of the Imperial court relaxing in a palatial courtyard *Hand-painted gold trim borders the lid *Antiqued brass hardware adorns the corners, lending an authentic, dynasty-era flavor *Latch reveals a functional old-world compass set in a protective enclosure *Chinese compasses were originally invented during the Han Dynasty and crafted from magnetite ore and cast bronze *Chinese scholars learned in the seventh century how to magnetize small needles, and thus the desktop compass was born *Compass makes a unique gift, office accessory or table centerpiece *Measures 7 inches wide x 7 inches long x 2 inches high The handcrafted nature of this product will produce minor differences in design and sizing. Subtle variations will occur from piece to piece, adding to its unique qualities. Measurements may vary slightly.

Redwood Hand-Carved 50-Inch Storage Cabinet with Carved Panels $878 Let the Oriental elegance of this handmade wooden armoire / storage cabinet enhance your bedroom, living room, dining room or any other room. This piece features parallel hand carved ribs on the front and sides, adding a charming touch of detail to the stylish simplicity of the cabinet. The doors open wide to reveal ample storage space with the added flexibility of a removable shelf for your favorite possessions. Four symmetrically carved drawers with custom handles rest below. Sturdy construction and a stylish finish make this Chinese original a must-have for any home. Measures 50 inches high x 24 inches wide x 12 inches long. AsiaEXP strives to maintain the cultural continuity of Chinese artistic traditions. Products from AsiaEXP help to keep the ancient artisan traditions of Chinese communities alive. Your purchase provides a means of support for talented native artisans while they pursue their craft. The artistic traditions that went into making this armoire have been passed down from generation to generation and are hundreds of years old. Every piece is hand-carved with exceptional attention to detail to ensure an individual design. The handcrafted nature of this product will produce minor differences in design and sizing. Subtle variations will occur from piece to piece, adding to the uniqueness of individual items. Measurements may vary slightly.

Carved Filigree Beveled Mirror $263 Intricately detailed, this mirror is bound by a resin/wood composite frame in a bronze finish. The visible mirror dimensions are 12 13/16" by 33 1/8".

Chinese $69.79 Chinese

The Chinese $28.39 The Chinese

Chinese Magic Mirror