Shakyamuni Buddha - The Enlightened One

Shakyamuni Buddha was born in Kapilvastu District, Lumbini Zone (Nepal) in between 563 and 483 BC. He was born in a shakya clan to father King Suddhodana and Queen Mahamaya the mother. Siddhartha is believed to have reincarnated thousands of times as a bodhisattva to earn good karma, a prerequisite towards becoming a Buddha.
According to ancient legend, Siddhartha's mother, Mahamaya had a premonitory dream: A white elephant with six tusks descended from the heavens surrounded by a chorus of beatific praises. The elephant approached her, holding a pink lotus flower in its trunk, and placed the flower within the queen's body. Then the elephant entered her body with ease, and she experienced deep sense of bliss and harmony.
The king summoned holy men to interpret the meaning of the queen's dream..Their conclusion: "The queen will give birth to a son who will be a great leader. He is destined to become either a mighty emperor who rules throughout the four directions, or a great Teacher who will show the Way of Truth to all beings in Heaven and Earth." The queen's dream turned out to be an auspicious omen of the advent of someone special. Keeping to the tradition of those days, the queen visited her parental home to give birth. On the way, there lie the beautiful garden of Lumbini.
She decided to take some rest in the garden. It was a lovely spring day. Flowers were in full bloom, birds were singing delightfully. Engrossed in the pleasure of the moment, queen Mahamaya suddenly felt uneasy, she was about to have childbirth. Standing and holding a tree branch with one hand, Queen Mahamaya gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. As soon as he came out of the queen's womb, Siddhartha walked 7 steps towards the four cardinal directions highlighting his divine origin.. There is an old statue presiding inside the Lumbini museum of Nepal which depicts that scene of nativity.
King Suddhodana sought the help of a Brahmin who referred to the three Vedas to name the child as Siddhartha which means " one whose mission is accomplished". It was only after Siddhartha received enlightenment that he became renowned as Shakyamuni Buddha, which means " the enlightened one"
In his youth, Siddhartha was exceptionally intelligent, strong and artistic, surpassing all others in his generation. Married Yasodhara at the age of seventeen, who gave birth to a son, Rahula. Sufferings of mankind like sickness, old age and death deeply disturbed young prince Siddhartha. Seeking the truth behind human suffering and meaning of existence, Siddhartha renounced his royal life to become an ascetic at the age of twenty nine in search of a solution to the four sufferings common to all people: birth into this troubled world, sickness, old age and death.
He headed towards the mountains near the Nairanjana River where he spent six years.Several years of suffering and penance of ascetic life, however,lead him to conclude that attempting to overcome human suffering and desire through self-denial and force of will was counter productive. Instead he preferred technique of moderation and balance.But his moderate stance disillusioned some Brahmin followers who abandoned Siddhartha saying that their master had lost spiritual fervor. Nevertheless, Siddhartha continued this approach. He began the historic meditation under a large bodhi tree near Bodhgaya ( at present in North India). on a full moon day around 588 BC, Siddhartha Gautama attained Nirvana, the liberation from the cycle of birth and death. the next forty-five years of his life was dedicated towards preaching the dharma (Sacred knowledge revealed through enlightenment) among the masses.
In Buddhist philosophy, enlightenment is a state in which one comes to understand the true nature of reality and is released from the endless cycle of birth and rebirth that defines earthly existence. That auspicious moment is reflected in all of Buddha's sculptures.
Shakyamuni Buddha's message of peace, compassion and humanity spread as far as China and Japan in the East to Afghanistan and central Asia to the west. By the time, he died at the age of eighty in the city of Kusinagara, Buddhism had become a world religion. Buddhism took different forms as it spread in two main forms, the Theravada (or Hinayana - 'lesser vehicle') and the Mahayana ('greater vehicle').
Today Buddhism is adhered by one fifth of humanity. Shakyamuni Buddha's teaching of compassion, moderation and self communion with universal spirit is as relevant today as it was twenty six centuries ago. There is an interesting contradiction in contemporary Buddhism. Although Buddha himself never condoned idol worshipping, the most popular form of statue in the world is of Shakyamuni Buddha himself, usually in the lotus posture.

If you would like to know more about Shakyamuni Buddha and other Buddha Rupas Please check the following link Shakyamuni Buddha Statues Online. Online Buddhist shop for Buddha Statues Amogh Shakya Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amogh_Shakya

Antique Collectors Porcelain

Identifying Antique Collectors Porcelain

There are two major groups that make up Chinese Porcelain:
Chinese market porcelain, and Chinese export porcelain.
Chinese Taste: This generally refers to all porcelain made chiefly for the Asian market. The pieces usually carry a base mark that can be used to distinguish them from the export porcelain. If the piece is antique and carries a mark at all it is very likely that it is either Imperial porcelain or Ordinary porcelain. (Imperial being made for specifically for the Emperor and household and Ordinary being mostly bowls connected to the Asian way of life.) Although price and value of Imperial ware can vary drastically depending on quality and age, Ordinary ware has a very narrow price range (from $25 to $250).
Chinese Export: Export porcelain is made specifically for use outside of China for either Europe, the US, India, and Japan. These items rarely have base marks to identify them. The Export china made for South East Asia on the other hand often carry base marks. The easiest way to distinguish which region a piece is from is to compare it to textiles from a specific region. The fashion is typically reflected in both and its easy to see the similarities especially when you consider the intended use of the item.
When it comes to collecting antiques there is always the possibility of purchasing a fake but luckily export pieces from the last two centuries are easily found. The only pieces to practice caution with are extraordinarily expensive pieces such as figure (which are difficult to date) and some late 18thcentury armorial pieces, which have been copied both at Samson in France and during the 20thcentury in China and Hong Kong.

If you are interested in acquiring a complete set of dishes the easiest way is to buy piece by piece. Start by purchasing a more unique piece of a collection, such as a large platter or teapot. Then when you have a partial collection fill in the missing items by buying a china replacement dish which are easy to find through online vendors.

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Collecting Asian Art - Jade

Jade is one of the most-loved collectibles. Its origins are ancient, its properties both medicinal and decorative. Though revered around the world, jade is most commonly associated with China, where it has been known for 8,000 years. The early Chinese called it yu and saw it as a "living stone," radiating with an inner glow.
Often ground, mixed with wine and fed to the emperors, jade was believed to increase imperial longevity. Symbolically, a court gentleman, on reaching 80, was allowed to carry a jade pigeon on a pole. Concubines received jade scepters from their emperors. Mandarin hats had carved small finials on their tops and a jade plume holder in the back. Chinese women decorated their hair with jade. Han dynasty princes and princesses were sometimes buried in suits of jade, a notable feat accomplished by stitching together bits of jade with threads of silver or gold.
Around the turn of the 20th century, we start to see large, fancy and colorful carvings made for Western consumption. Table-top and decorative items produced between 1880 and 1900 were often embellished with silver or gold, even enamel. In the second half of the 20th century, traditional styles began to give way to an elaborate new standard.
There are two kinds of jade: hard and soft. Ancient jade and hard jade are often referred to as jadeite. Though found in a variety of colors, the most valuable is green. The most valuable green is a near emerald green called Imperial Jade or gem-jade. Other colors, such as yellow jade, have their place in the pantheon of Chinese carvings too. Soft jade is called nephrite. Its coloration ranges from slightly off-white to yellowish white or greenish white. The latter is often referred to as celadon jade.
When you see the word jade modified by an adjective

Two years after he started selling Chinese antiques from his living room in 1967, Isadore Chait opened his first gallery of Asian Art. Isadore Chait is also a Member of the Appraisers Association of America, having served as a panel member regarding fakes and forgeries in Asian art and also as a consultant specializing in Asian Art. He is also the President of the Appraisers Association of America. You can read more about Isadore Chait at Chait.com

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Japanese Culture Comes Alive For the Porcelain Doll Collector

Japanese porcelain dolls are available in a wide range of sizes, ages, and dress. Although some antique Japanese porcelain dolls are created of fine crushed oyster shells, each one holds a unique and fascinating story.
Japanese Porcelain Doll Styles
Geisha porcelain dolls are typically found in traditional dress and makeup, wearing brightly colored silk kimonos, often with accessories like a traditional fan. Small child porcelain dolls can be found wearing short sets, or more traditional clothing. There are porcelain dolls representing every age, and time period of Japanese history. With the wide variety of Japanese porcelain dolls available, it is impossible to have one of every type. Many Japanese porcelain dolls are completed with real hair to authenticate their look, and provide for a more realistic appearance. The realistic appearance and the attention to detail in the crafting of the Japanese porcelain doll is a tribute to the people of Japan.
Japanese Geisha Porcelain Dolls
The ancient Geisha was known as a performer, an entertainer and was held in very high esteem. She traditionally received many years of training, sometimes beginning at birth. The Geisha porcelain doll is often found posed in a move from one of the traditional dances. Other Japanese porcelain Geisha dolls can be found seated or standing. She demonstrates the grace and beauty of ancient Geisha. The Japanese porcelain Geisha doll often comes with accessories such as a traditional fan, small musical instrument, or flowers to demonstrate the elegance and esteem of these women. The popularity of the Japanese porcelain Geisha doll can also be linked to her colorful dress. The clothing of the Japanese porcelain geisha doll is typically a silk kimono adorned with a floral or dragon print. Her hair and makeup are crafted to complete the look of the traditional Geisha.
Japanese Samurai Porcelain Dolls
The Japanese Samurai also are portrayed as porcelain dolls. This Japanese Samurai porcelain doll is as true to tradition as is the porcelain Geisha. He is dressed in a detailed silk costume, and may come with a range of accessories from a shield for personal protection, to a traditional samurai sword, to protect his family.
Friendship Dolls
In 1929, the United States sent over 12,000 blue eyed dolls to Japan in gesture of good will. These dolls were even sent with a special passport. Japan, in return, sent 58 hand-made Japanese porcelain dolls to the United States. These dolls became known as Friendship dolls. While some of the friendship dolls have been lost over the years, most still exist and can be found on display around the country. The Japanese porcelain doll is collected by adults and children, by boys and girls.
Displaying Japanese Porcelain Dolls
The wealthiest families only display their dolls on festival days. Children are not allowed to touch them, only to look because Japanese porcelain dolls are considered works of art, like a sculpture. Many attribute the Japanese porcelain doll with thoughts and feelings, almost a life of their own. The Japanese porcelain doll is best displayed in a glass case to protect her from dust, dirt, and grime. She needs to have a calm background, such as a piece of brown, black or tan cloth. The Japanese porcelain doll's clothing is very striking and colorful and will stand out to perfection with a calm background. Placing the Japanese porcelain doll on a background busy with other things will diminish the beauty of her traditional dress.
The wide variety of Japanese porcelain dolls available makes any collection incomplete without one. They are made with such a fine attention to detail and come in such a wide variety of shapes and sizes you could collect Japanese porcelain dolls for years and never find the same one twice.

A-Porcelain-Doll.com supplies porcelain dolls, antique dolls, and dolls collectible by everyone to everyone. They specialize in handcrafted porcelain dolls by internationally acclaimed artists from a variety of cultures. You can find Indian dolls, Persian dolls, Japanese dolls, Irish dolls, black dolls, ethnic dolls, and much more at A-Porcelain-Doll.com. Copyright 2009 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Cannon

   

Chinese Wall Scrolls - History, Practice and Artistry

The span of Chinese culture traverses 6,000 years, and the history of Chinese art is almost as long. The art of Chinese painting can be thought to begin with the Chinese written language, because Chinese characters began as simple pictures (or pictographs) thousands of years ago. These have evolved into the Chinese characters seen today. The technique of 'painting' those original pictographs naturally flowed into more detailed depictions of landscapes. The same utensils, round pointed brushes made from either goat hair or wolf hair are still used in traditional Chinese painting today. Painting and calligraphy were the two most highly prized arts in the courts of the nobles in ancient China, with calligraphy considered the purest form of art. Writings of famous calligraphers were mounted on scrolls and hung on walls.
The hand painted scroll is one example of how art was used to communicate in ancient China. The format used for Chinese paintings varied widely over time. Massive wall paintings, free-standing screens, horizontal and vertical scrolls, were some of the formats used. The horizontal hand scroll unrolled from right to left, giving the viewer a chance to look at one segment at a time. The horizontal hand scroll was like a picture story book, and lead to the shorter vertical hanging scroll.
Silk was usually used to make scrolls until the invention of paper, traditionally thought to have been invented in China in the first century A..D. Silk is not very absorbent, which led to the practice of slow and deliberate application of paint and ink. Early paper was made from a variety of substances such as rice straw, bark, reeds, bamboo, etc. These early papers were more absorbent and led to more spontaneously created paintings. Most modern wall scrolls are painted on Xuan paper, also known as rice paper. A wooden dowel is attached to the bottom of the scroll to prevent it from rolling up, and a thin piece of wood with a cord is placed at the top to hang the scroll from. Some scrolls have silk backing or edges on them, but few are actually painted on silk.
Vertical hanging scrolls were suspended on walls and gave the viewer an opportunity to get close up and examine the details of the painting, and to back up and take in the entire picture. Scrolls were taken down periodically, with different scrolls replacing them. The Chinese have long thought of a magical link between mankind and the landscape, so many of the early hanging scrolls were landscapes, with other subjects added over the years.
A Chinese painting is judged on how the theme of the painting balances with the rest of the picture, and the feelings it evokes. The subject matter itself is sometimes secondary. Chinese scroll paintings are wondrous creations of art, full of meaning, and give joy to the eye and soul. When you view a hand painted Chinese scroll you view thousands of years of history, practice, and artistry.

Alan Beggerow is a free lance writer. Visit his writing services website, Ghostwriter, at http://www.ghostwriterboo.blogspot.com

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Chinese Antiques

Those that have a love for Chinese art and antiques are usually attracted to these rare items based on their beautiful visual appearance. The various shapes, stains, and style of the antiques adds to their aesthetic value. Choosing Antiques or Furniture for your home is an exciting and daunting adventure. You have many options to choose from in the market, and always searching for the most pleasing and meaningful piece so we can keep or share it for a lifetime. Our choosing of the right Antiques should not be done in haste so the right piece matches the right interior design. We need the item that matches our taste and lifestyle.
Chinese items like Chinese Antiques, Chinese Antique Cabinets, Tibetan Furniture or Chinese Furniture are unique and rarely available in the market, and thus make their presence felt in your home. The most common items found in Chinese antiques are Chests, Trunks, Stands, Shelves Tables, Desks, Beds, Chairs, Stools and Benches. In addition, the porcelain vases, and unique statues are included as rare and valuable additions. The inclusion of Chinese antiques is certainly appreciated since they truly add a new life to the interior of your house.
Cabinets play an important role in your house. Chinese Antique Cabinets were very popular all over Europe and Africa. Tibetan Furniture or Chinese Furniture has a very special meaning. They can seem expensive but these one-of-a-kind items add much beauty to your home. Many of us collect Antiques and do so for a variety of reasons. In addition to their inherent beauty, they also add future value to our portfolio of assets.
Asian furniture, of course originated in Asian countries all over the Far East. We also know this type of furniture as Oriental furniture. Asian Furniture is ideal furniture for any home and provides your interior with an exotic and unique style. People prefer to buy Asian furniture due to their hardwood construction and greater durability. The use of natural materials like silk and bamboo makes this type of furniture even more special.
Most of us are not able to distinguish between the genuine antiques and reproductions. As wise people all around the far east have said for centuries "Old is Gold". To find your special and valuable Antique visit the main go to source: http://www.tibetandchineseantiques.com

For information on Tibet and Chinese antiques, Visit: http://www.tibetandchineseantiques.com

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