Eastern Treasures:
Ancient Oriental Antiques
Ancient Oriental Antiques
Paper, gunpowder, and porcelain are widely regarded as some of China’s greatest inventions. But what about the antiques that can help recreate the exotic charm of Asian interiors? Let’s explore some fascinating items available on marketplaces.
If you are a creative soul and admire Eastern art, you’re sure to find intriguing pieces to adorn your home, with starting prices for chinoiserie as low as ₹5,000.
Eastern Treasures: Ancient Oriental Antiques
In China, scholars, nobility, and collectors have long cherished calligraphy, paintings, bronze artifacts, jade items, and ceramics.
When compared to European antiques with similar craftsmanship—such as porcelain, furniture, or paintings—Chinese and Japanese art pieces are often more affordable for the same historical period.
Eastern Treasures: Ancient Oriental Antiques
In China, scholars, nobility, and collectors have long cherished calligraphy, paintings, bronze artifacts, jade items, and ceramics.
When compared to European antiques with similar craftsmanship—such as porcelain, furniture, or paintings—Chinese and Japanese art pieces are often more affordable for the same historical period.
Bronze
Chinese civilization spans over 4,000 years, with emperors consistently patronizing the arts. Some, like the emperors of the Song and Ming dynasties, were themselves skilled artists and collectors.
The invention of bronze was a turning point in Chinese history. Massive bronze vases, candlesticks, table lamps, figurines of Buddha, and the mythical Foo Dogs (Heavenly Lions) are just a few examples of these treasures.
Chinese civilization spans over 4,000 years, with emperors consistently patronizing the arts. Some, like the emperors of the Song and Ming dynasties, were themselves skilled artists and collectors.
The invention of bronze was a turning point in Chinese history. Massive bronze vases, candlesticks, table lamps, figurines of Buddha, and the mythical Foo Dogs (Heavenly Lions) are just a few examples of these treasures.
Cloisonné Enamel
Cloisonné enamel, known in Chinese as hua falan (“vivid enamel”), refers to intricate designs created with metal partitions filled with colored enamel. Although the technique originated in France, Chinese artisans perfected it during the Ming dynasty.
The finest examples of cloisonné art date back to this era. However, mass production and exports later led to a decline in quality.
Cloisonné enamel, known in Chinese as hua falan (“vivid enamel”), refers to intricate designs created with metal partitions filled with colored enamel. Although the technique originated in France, Chinese artisans perfected it during the Ming dynasty.
The finest examples of cloisonné art date back to this era. However, mass production and exports later led to a decline in quality.
Jade
While the West often associates China with porcelain, the Chinese themselves revere jade. Countless Chinese proverbs and philosophical teachings equate jade with moral virtues like kindness, justice, and wisdom.
Confucius once said, “A good person is as pure as jade.” To this day, jade remains an emblem of spiritual and cultural significance.
Confucius once said, “A good person is as pure as jade.” To this day, jade remains an emblem of spiritual and cultural significance.
Calligraphy and Painting
In China, calligraphy is considered an art form of the highest order. Even as recently as 30–40 years ago, a person’s handwriting revealed much about their education and character. Job applications were often accompanied by handwritten samples, akin to a modern-day interview.
The brush used for calligraphy and painting, believed to have been invented around 200 BCE, is a central tool in Chinese art. Brushes vary in size and stiffness, crafted from materials like goat, rabbit, or wolf hair.
Famed court painter Lang Shining—born Giuseppe Castiglione in Milan—was a Jesuit monk who served multiple Chinese emperors. His unique blend of European techniques and traditional Chinese themes makes his work highly sought after, fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auctions.
In China, calligraphy is considered an art form of the highest order. Even as recently as 30–40 years ago, a person’s handwriting revealed much about their education and character. Job applications were often accompanied by handwritten samples, akin to a modern-day interview.
The brush used for calligraphy and painting, believed to have been invented around 200 BCE, is a central tool in Chinese art. Brushes vary in size and stiffness, crafted from materials like goat, rabbit, or wolf hair.
Famed court painter Lang Shining—born Giuseppe Castiglione in Milan—was a Jesuit monk who served multiple Chinese emperors. His unique blend of European techniques and traditional Chinese themes makes his work highly sought after, fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auctions.
Porcelain and Ceramics
Japanese porcelain has seen a surge in popularity among collectors in recent years. Pieces produced between the early 1900s and 1950s are still affordable, but their rarity is expected to increase over time.
Japan’s porcelain journey began with Arita ceramics, a type of pottery originating in the Arita region. Exports from the nearby port of Imari gave rise to the term “Imari porcelain,” which became immensely popular in Europe. Interestingly, Chinese artisans later imitated Imari designs for export.
Another notable type is Kutani porcelain, known for its overglaze decorations.
Japanese porcelain has seen a surge in popularity among collectors in recent years. Pieces produced between the early 1900s and 1950s are still affordable, but their rarity is expected to increase over time.
Japan’s porcelain journey began with Arita ceramics, a type of pottery originating in the Arita region. Exports from the nearby port of Imari gave rise to the term “Imari porcelain,” which became immensely popular in Europe. Interestingly, Chinese artisans later imitated Imari designs for export.
Another notable type is Kutani porcelain, known for its overglaze decorations.
Silk and Embroidery
The Chinese were the first to produce silk, zealously guarding their secrets. According to legend, Emperor Justinian of Byzantium smuggled silkworms from China with the help of two monks who hid them in bamboo canes.
Chinese silk embroidery, dating back to the 4th century BCE, was initially practiced by men. Over time, the craft spread globally via the Silk Road, influencing embroidery styles in India, Europe, and the Middle East.
Famous schools of Chinese embroidery include Xiang, Yue, Shu, and Su. Popular motifs include:
The Chinese were the first to produce silk, zealously guarding their secrets. According to legend, Emperor Justinian of Byzantium smuggled silkworms from China with the help of two monks who hid them in bamboo canes.
Chinese silk embroidery, dating back to the 4th century BCE, was initially practiced by men. Over time, the craft spread globally via the Silk Road, influencing embroidery styles in India, Europe, and the Middle East.
Famous schools of Chinese embroidery include Xiang, Yue, Shu, and Su. Popular motifs include:
- Tigers: Protection from evil
- Orchids: Loyalty
- Dragons: Power and generosity (imperial robes often featured five dragons)
- Cranes and bamboo: Longevity
Chinese Lacquer
Lacquer, like silk, is an ancient Chinese invention. Extracted from the lacquer tree, the material is both toxic and quick-drying, requiring great skill to handle. Initially used to waterproof boats, lacquer evolved into a medium for creating stunning art pieces.
Examples of Chinese lacquerware include:
Lacquer, like silk, is an ancient Chinese invention. Extracted from the lacquer tree, the material is both toxic and quick-drying, requiring great skill to handle. Initially used to waterproof boats, lacquer evolved into a medium for creating stunning art pieces.
Examples of Chinese lacquerware include:
- Painted and carved lacquer trays and bowls
- Lacquered screens with elaborate landscapes or mythical scenes
- Lacquer boxes used to store precious items
For those passionate about history and design, Oriental antiques offer a window into ancient traditions and artistic mastery.
Photocredits: Unsplash
