Kimono

Kimono

Kimono in Japanese simply means clothing. Since 19 century, western styles have been the main dress code in Japan. But kimono still plays a role in Japanese culture, mostly worn on special occasions. Kimono

Chinese Acrobatics

Chinese Acrobatics

Tightrope-walking, plates spinning on poles, grinning contortionists fold in half? Chinese acrobatics is a dizzying pinnacle of artistic achievement. Chinese Acrobatics

Mahjong

Mahjong (Mah Jong) 
Mah jong (mahjong) was invented by monks during the Tang Dynasty in China, around 200 B.C. Mah jong pieces were originally made with bamboo, and it was also called the bamboo game. Mah jong was especially popular with the royal family. Today mahjong is the most popular game in China. It is normally played with four people (but can be played with two), and the set consists of 144 domino-like pieces or tiles. The object of mahjong is to build a winning combination of pieces. If you would like to learn the rules of mahjong. Mahjong

Chinese Folk Art of Papercutting

Chinese Folk Art of Papercutting

The discipline of papercutting grew out of the templates used for embroidery and lacquerware. Here is a brief history and description of the famous folk art.

Chinese Astrology - Zodiac

Chinese Astrology - Zodiac

What Animal of the Chinese Zodiac corresponds to your birthday? You will find more than just the back of a Chinese restaurant menu in this area...

Health-Related Gifts

Health-Related Gifts

Any reference to Chinese culture has to include their ancient health beliefs. We have everything from acupuncture models to magnetic therapy. In fact, we have more books on that topic than that "famous" internet bookstore. We have selected some unique items that make good gifts and conversation pieces.

 

How to Appreciate Chinese Brush Painting

How to Appreciate Chinese Brush Painting

 

It seems everyone is extremely busy in today′s society, often forgetting to relax and enjoy life. In these circumstances, it is interesting to note that the Chinese character for "busy" means "losing one′s mind". In fact many people are beginning to realize that calming activities, which center the mind and counteract the stress of daily life, are necessary for our well being. In this regard, the study of literature, music, dance, painting, etc., can bring joy as well as relaxation and enrichment.

Qing Cheng mountain in the Sichuan province inspired this beautiful landscape by the author.
 
The appreciation of Chinese Painting provides such rewards. One may begin, perhaps, by attending an exhibition, collecting a few paintings or even by beginning to experience painting itself. There are many intriguing aspects to examine in Chinese Painting--the painting technique, the poetry, the calligraphy, the seal, the painter′s central image and theme as well as his or her mounting skills.

By simply distinguishing between paintings you like and those you dislike, you are recognizing the first step of painting appreciation. The next level involves understanding why a painting is good and which aspects are most pleasing to the eye. In order to analyze each painting, it is helpful to be aware of the following areas: composition, use of ink, use of the brush, coloring, mood, poetry, inscription, seal, and mounting.

 

Chinese Literature

Chinese Literature
Classical Chinese literature takes the form of poetry, history, philosophy, and ethics. Masterpieces of fiction and drama reflect actual conditions of living in the structured society of ancient China as well as characters and stories from Chinese mythology.

Apparel & Accessories Jewelry Sets

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Greeting Cards & Books - Albums & Journals | Greeting Cards | Style Books
 

Holiday Decor - Angels | Greeting Cards | Holiday Decor | Holiday Ornaments | Nativity Scenes | Peace Decor | Peaceful Paintings | Tableware & Entertaining | Tree Skirts & Stockings

Asian Jade

Long revered by Asians as the most precious of all stones for centuries,
besides being the most beautiful and valued natural material for making
jewelry and utensils, jade is considered to possess the power of good luck,
good health, and the ability to resist evil spirit and to get rid of bad luck.
Jadeite. The name derives from jade. Because of its fibrous, felt-like
structure, it is very tough and resistant. It occurs in all colors. Fractures
are dull and when polished, greasy, sometimes even pearly in luster.
The most important jadeite deposits are in upper Burma, near Tawmav,
interlayered in serpentinite, or in secondary deposits in conglomerates or in
river gravels. The material found there is exported to China and Hong Kong.
All the Burmese Jade jewelry we carry is manufactured in Hong Kong.
Colors of the Jade: Brown, blackish, violet, green, also white, reddish,
yellow, often spotted.