A Million Hands

Ganesha

2008-06-21T05:19:00.001-07:00

Ganesh, the elephant headed son of Lord Shiva and Parvati is the first and foremost deity in the Hindu pantheon whom devotees worship, prior to any important undertakings. Whatever the devotee’s desires, whatever he wishes to venture into, the blessings of Lord Ganesha are first sought.

GANESHA ACQUIRES AN ELEPHANT HEAD

Legend has it that once when Parvati wanted to take a leisurely bath and requested her son Ganesha to mind the entrance to her chamber and prevent anyone from entering the chamber. The obedient Ganesha did as he was told. Soon, Lord Shiva himself walked in, but was stopped by young Ganesha. This enraged Shiva who in a fit of temper, cut off Ganesha’s head! When Parvati learnt of her husband’s wrath and misdeeds, she was overcome with grief and lamented her son’s plight. Shiva realized his foolhardiness and ordered his attendants to bring the head of the first living creature they found in the forest. The attendants gleaned through the forest and the first creature they saw was an elephant, whose head they severed and brought to Shiva. Shiva fixed the head on Ganesha and lo and behold, Ganesha sprang back to life!

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Shiva-Nataraja

2008-06-21T05:17:00.000-07:00

Shiva the destroyer in the Hindu pantheon is popularly known as the hermit of the netherworld, as the one who resides in cremation grounds. However, there is another aspect to Shiva- as Nataraja. Nataraja literally translates as the Lord of the Stage.

The western world is familiar with Shakespeare’s words, “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely actors.” The soul assumes a physical form only to perform certain functions, duties, to give and receive pleasure, learn karmic lessons, and finally move on to a different realm. In this gross body, we humans who are supposed to be of a higher intellect are merely players and puppets in the hands of an unseen force called God.

Every birth gives us new pleasures, even as it gives us pain. We as living beings, are caught in the grasp of illusions, attachments, bonds that further pull us towards more cycles of birth. Suffering bothers man who ultimately seeks salvation, and he finds himself grappling with the results of his deed. Even as the soul leaves one gross body, it steps onto another womb, in the hope of fulfilling unfulfilled desires, to cleanse itself and perform certain karmas.

Nataraja in his cosmic dance form shows us the path to liberate ourselves from this continuous cycle of birth and death. Shiva stands majestically on the body of ‘Apasmara purusha’ and performs his dance. This body represents the ego, ignorance, the soul’s illusions. By trampling on it, Shiva is seen as controlling this ego and urge. Click Here to read more...

The Evolution of the Japanese Puzzle Box

2008-06-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

The Japanese puzzle box is a wonderfully unique item. It seems to be only a nicely decorated box but when looked at closer one will see that it can be opened through a variety of steps. This type of puzzle box has been around for approximately a century's time and the initial purpose of the Japanese puzzle box has evolved greatly from when it first began. The following will provide some general information regarding the evolution of the Japanese puzzle box and relay details as to why these items are so popular today. The Initial Purpose of the Japanese Puzzle Box When the Japanese puzzle box was first created it was done so in order to provide a hiding place for pertinent documents and valuables. The way in which the puzzle box is crafted allows for only the user to know the true combination for opening up the box. The more complex a puzzle box was based upon the steps needed to solve the puzzle and the length, or suns, of the box, the less likely it was that outsiders could get into it and therefore uncover the objects hidden within. In the beginning, those who carried these boxes with them were traveling workers who did so to hide their tools in order to prevent them from being stolen. By needing a "combination" to get into the box, the owner thereof was more likely to prevent their belongings from winding up in the wrong hands. The Japanese Puzzle Box Evolves As the years progressed so did the reasons for not only making these types of boxes but purchasing them as well. Although they were still used to protect belongings from thieves and prying eyes, the craftsman who made such boxes came to the realization that these were popular items not only for their usefulness but for the entertainment value which would surround them as well. Those who first learned about the Japanese puzzle boxes saw them as not only being a good hiding spot but a bit fun as they tried to open them up as quickly as possible and it was this game which provided entertainment. The Japanese Puzzle Box Today Japanese puzzle boxes are widely available these days. Most individuals purchase these items for entertainment purposes, as souvenir items or for decorative reasons and it can be seen that the popularity has definitely increased. What was once a simply decorated wooden box used for safely hiding various items is now a highly coveted decorative conversation piece.

Choosing the Best Style of Japanese Puzzle Box

2008-06-10T03:13:00.000-07:00

The Japanese puzzle box is a wooden box which can be opened up by those who know the right steps in order to do so. The way in which the puzzle box is crafted only allows it to be opened if the wood pieces are moved in the right direction and done so in the correct order. Japanese puzzle boxes are not only fun to solve but they can be beautiful decorative pieces as well. When buying a Japanese puzzle box, there are a few factors to consider prior to making the final purchase in order to choose the best style of box. Basic or Ornate Features First and foremost, you should determine whether you want your Japanese puzzle box to be basic in design or stand out from across the room. There are many different styles of puzzle boxes. Some come in a basic wood style with little design on them whereas others have a finished wood component with a glossy overlay that is designed to the hilt. In order to choose a Japanese puzzle box which is designed to suit your tastes, determine whether you want your puzzle box to blend into the woodwork or stand out. Type of Wood You should also decide what type of wood your Japanese puzzle box should be comprised of. The crafters of puzzle boxes use a variety of woods to make these items and no matter what type of wood you prefer, there is sure to be a puzzle box made out of it. Wood types such as walnut, maple and Katsura wood can be fashioned into a Japanese puzzle box and the type of wood which you choose will be dependent on your individual tastes. Shape of the Japanese Puzzle Box Although many may think that Japanese puzzle boxes, by their name, come only in the shape of a square or rectangular box, this is not the case. These puzzles boxes can be made into circular structures, hearts, triangular shapes and more. This feature adds a bit of uniqueness to the Japanese puzzle box as one can add to their collection by straying away from simple boxlike figures and expanding into different shaped puzzle boxes. The availability of various shapes is a beneficial factor as you can purchase unusually shaped Japanese puzzle boxes for puzzle box enthusiasts and it may be much more likely that they do not already have the uniquely shaped type of box.

Himitsu Baku of Hakone

2008-06-10T03:09:00.000-07:00

The Himitsu Baku means "Personal Secret Box", and is a traditional Japanese puzzle box that was originally designed more than 100 years ago, in 1893 in the Hakone region in Japan. The Hakone Mountains have been renowned for the great number of different trees that exist there, and the Himitsu Baku Personal Secret Box takes advantages of all of the different colors and textures of wood that can be found in the Hakome Mountains in order to create elaborate boxes with beautiful hand-carved geometric patterns on each face of the box. Not only is the Himitsu Baku puzzle box concept popular for the puzzling entertainment that it offers, but it is also valued as a Yosegi-Zaiku, which is a mosaic woodwork that is usually applied to chests, boxes, trays and other small handicrafts. Read More...

A Japanese Puzzle Box Makes a Unique Gift

2008-05-29T03:11:00.001-07:00

Many people are tired of giving the same old gifts like gift cards for special occasions and are looking for a unique gift. One gift you may want to consider is a Japanese puzzle box. These boxes are beautiful wood boxes that have a secret.

What is a Japanese Puzzle Box?

These boxes are also referred to as a himitsu-bako which literally translates to Personal Secret Box. They have been in existence for over 100 years and have been traced back to a region in Japan called Hakone. They are wood boxes that at first glance look like a box that is just beautifully decorated. However upon further examination of the box the recipient will soon learn that the box holds a secret.

Himitsu Baku Puzzle Boxes

2008-05-29T03:10:00.000-07:00

The Himitsu Baku is a Japanese puzzle box that is currently produced by only nine traditional craftsmen. These artisans are not responsible for creating the Yosegi-Zaiku patterns that adorn their secret boxes, but they are responsible for producing their secret box puzzles virtually alone from beginning to end. Each artisan is responsible for choosing their own wood, then allowing it to dry and curing it. Next, they are responsible for cutting all of the wood pieces and assembling them to create the challenging puzzle box. Finally, they purchase the Yosegi-Zaiku patterns in sheets, and attach them to each face on the box using the right finishing techniques. The youngest of all Himitsu Baku master craftsmen today is around sixty years old, though there are a number of apprentices who are working to learn this unique art so that the tradition can be continued even when the original craftsmen have passed on. Read More...

Try the challenge of Himitsu Baku

2008-05-28T02:55:00.001-07:00

In today's society, everybody likes a challenge. SuDoku, Kakuro, crosswords, word searches, and a variety of other popular puzzles are gaining increasing popularity as people look for new and innovative ways to challenge themselves. Although paper and pen puzzles are trendy right now, there are a lot of people who still prefer the original puzzle, hand puzzles that have given way to the invention of a number of innovative and creative puzzle ideas through the years. Still, there are a number of puzzles that have been around for so long, that while difficult to find, they are well worth considering. Read More...

Himitsu Bako - A Brief History

2008-05-28T02:54:00.000-07:00

The island of Japan was a closed society for many centuries and, despite only knowing of its existence in the last one hundred years, it is suspected that the art of Himitsu-Bako is much, much older. Nonetheless, it was not until the mid 1980's that Japan's Industry Minister declared the art form a National Traditional Handicraft. To be designated as such, a craft must be manufactured by hand by traditional artisans using traditional techniques and materials. The item created must have a place for practical use in every day life and production must be contained to a specific area or region. Read More...

Himitsu Bako - The Japanese Puzzle Box

2008-05-24T15:33:00.001-07:00

Himitsu bako is a name given to small boxes made by combining unique puzzle mechanism with Yosegi-Zaiku and/or Moku-Zougan inlay work. The merging of two arts, native to a single small town along the banks of Ashino-Ko Lake. Welcome to Hakone, Japan and the art of the Japanese Secret Box, also known in the west as a Japanese Puzzle Box. Read More...

Yosegi Zaiku and Zougan Zaiku

2008-05-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

Yosegi Zaiku and Zougan Zaiku are traditional Japanese works of art with a history dating back 1,000 years. It was first created in the town of Hakone, an important stop on the road from Kyoto (the old Capital) to Edo (the new Capital, now known as Tokyo). This road was made famous by Hiroshige in his woodblock print set “The 53 Stations of Tokaido” Read More...

Exotic Wood used in Japanese Zougan Marquetry

2008-05-18T03:35:00.000-07:00

The mountains surrounding the town of Hakone in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan hold an amazing collection of exotic trees, many of which have been used in the art of Zougan. (wood marquetry and inlay) Below are samples of some of the wood from those trees. As you can see, there is no need for dyes or stains to make the beautiful colors and patterns in our Japanese Puzzle Boxes. A Yosegi patterned box could use over a dozen different species of wood. Exotic Wood Samples

Patterns in Our Japanese Puzzle Boxes

2008-05-17T03:56:00.000-07:00

The Japanese Puzzle box is a merging of two Art-Forms. The art of creating a box with sliding panels that can only be opened if you know the exact sequence of moves. (or follow the directions we provide with each box) The second art is that of wood marquetry or Zaiku where different woods in their natural color are carefully cut and glued together making beautiful patterns. Below are several samples of these patterns and the woods used to make them. Puzzle Box Patterns

Feng Shui astrology

2008-01-21T03:07:00.000-08:00

Chinese metaphysics is fascinating with many branches dealing with various aspects of life enhancement. Feng shui studies about ‘qi’ and energies that permeate our living environment and help us in tapping the best qi to facilitate peaceful living. Bazi or the four pillars of destiny is nothing but Chinese astrology that talks about the twelve animal signs of the zodiac, in relation to the five elements found in nature. All these when placed at the right position can attract positivity and enhance the life of the individuals. Any Chinese metaphysics has in its crux the five elements abundantly found in nature - water, wood, fire, earth and metal. Water feeds wood. Wood is fuel to fire, fire burns and produces ashes. From the earth we get our minerals or ore and the burning of metal produces liquid that is considered water. Each of these elements has a yin and yang polarity too. So finally, we get ten elements. Our birth date when converted into Chinese Astrology turns into these magnificent elements that we are composed of! In Chinese metaphysics, harmony and balance are often talked about. Achieving balance is what we aim for. Thus an astrological chart indicates the imbalance that causes disturbances and aims to bring fine balance. Apart from the five elements, Chinese astrology also talks about the twelve animals in the zodiac. These animals too have been allocated elements according to the season. It’s believed that when the Buddha invited all the animals in the forest for His birthday party, some animals were first to arrive and there were late comers too. The rat was the first to arrive, hopping onto the back of the hard working laborious ox. Immediately upon arriving, the rat hopped off the ox’s back and thus, the rat is the first sign of the zodiac. Exactly opposite of which is the horse. The last to arrive was the slow pig! So the year in which we are born determines what zodiac we are. For example, a baby born after the 4th of February 2007 is born in the year of the pig, as 2007 is the year of the fire pig! That doesn’t mean that all babies born in the pig year are slow or lazy. For lethargy and nimbleness of a person, we examine the entire chart and not just the birth year. The birth date is denoted as the day master and we determine the destiny of this day master in relation to the whole chart. The affiliation and animosity between the twelve animals is what charts the course of our life on earth! Apart from bazi, there’s also a lesser known school called ziwei dou shu, that is not as widely practiced as bazi is. Feng shui as well as bazi are not as simple as they seem. There is much to these than what meets the eye. Only a trained practitioner with years of experience, loads of practice and oodles of intuition can discern where the problem lies and how to bring about a balance!

QUINUA AYACUCHO POTTERY FROM PERU

2007-02-01T03:27:00.000-08:00

Plaza de Armas is a place located in Peru where potters made Quinua Ayacucho pottery. Of all art forms in Peru, pottery lands at the top of the list. You will find a number of interesting techniques, shapes, colors, and designs. However, most of these are specific to the region within Peru in which the pottery is made. The town of Quinua is most known for the talent of the potters. They are famous for manufacturing pieces of pottery known as “Quinua Ceramics”. Each of these pieces is designed to display local customs. Quinua is just 23 miles from the capital city and is the site of the Battle of Ayacucho where the country received its independence when fighting against Spanish troops. In addition to Quinua Ayacucho pottery, this city is also famous for the high quality of red and cream clay that is used to make the pottery pieces. Although the forms and techniques are simple, almost child-like, the results are what amaze people. Many of the pottery pieces are chapels, churches, bulls, and houses. However, it is also common to see figurines of peasant farmers, neighbors busy gossiping, and religious themes. Now, you can purchase Quinua Ayacucho pottery from a number of shops that specialize in these pieces or if you prefer, directly from one of the artisans who will sign the piece made. Of all the pottery pieces, the chapel and churches are the most popular. Typically, these ceramic pieces are used on mantles, bookshelves, or tables. Interestingly, the church pottery piece is used to protect homes from evil spirits, which is why you see them displayed. When visiting Quinua, you can visit the Plaza area by climbing the charming cobblestone walkway. The buildings in this town are whitewashed and there is even a quaint village church. These pottery pieces are exported around the globe because of the quality and whimsy of each piece. In fact, the local people have become quite good at marketing the products, getting word out about these brightly colored pottery pieces. However, today you will even find Quinua Ayacucho pottery made in pastel colors, something unheard of years ago. In fact, original pieces were all earth tone. Although you will find more and more modern pieces of pottery being developed you can certainly still buy the traditional church or other figurines. While there are many skilled artisans that make Quinua Ayacucho pottery, one of the most famous artists is Mamerto Sanchez. As you walk along the main road, you will find a number stalls where pieces are sold.

HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN SERAPE

2006-11-16T08:42:00.000-08:00

Serapes are commonly known as a type of Mexican shawl or blanket. This traditional item began as a masculine garment that reflected the technological and socioeconomic aspect of its production, distribution, and use, as well as the weaver’s personal experience. The designs vary tremendously, some that are simplistic and others quite elaborate. The Mexican serape has a long and interesting history associated with the production of wool and cotton, two materials commonly used for a number of textiles by the Mexican people. The serape is made in numerous areas of the country, which is why it actually has many different names. For instance, the serape is also called chamarro, jorongo, cobiga, cotton, frazada, tilme, and gaban. The fascinating aspect of the Mexican serape is that it is a perfect blend of weaving traditions such as European and Mesoamerican. That means that with the European style of weaving, you would see cotton and dyes used to create wonderful designs whereas for the Mesoamerican style, wool is used and mounted on a look to create designs. In other words, one is dyed to make unique designs while the other is weaved. The woven styles associated with the Mesoamerican way of weaving the serape has been used primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries. During the time this style of serape was developed, the quality in factories and workshops was amazingly good, created most often in states such as Coahuila, Guanajuato, Michoacan, Puebla, Quetetaro, and Zacatecas. Another interesting fact about the Mexican serape is that it was a common garment used by people of all lifestyles. For example, it was common to see horsemen, workers, town residents, and even lepers all preferring to wear the serape. Keep in mind that these serapes were the type woven. Now, the type of serape that used cotton and dyes was considered a luxury garment whereby aristocrats and hacienda owners would wear them. These serapes were worn to high society parties, for walks along the avenues, or simply out for a leisurely stroll. These serapes were so gorgeous that famed artists and travelers from other countries would marvel at their distinct and colorful design. The Mexican serape was even worn by insurgents fighting in the War of Independence along with patriots in wars where the French and Americans fought. This means that the serape was a garment of choice whether a conservative or liberal. In fact, the Mexican serape was actually used in refuge camps to keep people warm and for clothing, as a shroud for loved ones killed in battle, and the Revolutionary’s flag. To this day, in the country of Mexico, this one item as well as the famous sombrero is what define the Mexican. Serapes are also very versatile, being used as a shawl to dress up, a pillow on which to lay the head, as a coat for keeping warm, or even a bedcover. Even horsemen working the cold mountains and hot deserts use the serape as protection against the sun, rain, and snow. Remember, depending on the technique use for weaving, the serape can be a very sophisticated and elegant garment, a blanket on the back of a horse, or a blanket for a baby’s crib. Although you can still find people in Mexico that make serapes by hand, whether with dye or the weaving process, because factories have made it possible for mass production, the popularity of the serape is increasing dramatically. Today, we see incredible colors and designs that were not available years ago. Typically, these more colorful serapes come from places like Contla, Chiauhtempan, and Tlaxcala. Many of the designs you see used in serapes come from landscapes or photographs seen by the weavers of serapes that are made in Contla, Guadalupe, San Bernandino, Tlascala, Tlaxiaco, Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, and Zacatecas. The serapes made in Oaxaca and Santa Ana del Valle are most often made with natural colored fibers with the designs being replicates of paintings created by well-known artists. The serapes woven will commonly have two woven sections that are then sewn together although there are some looms capable of creating one, large serape. Serapes made out of the finest wool usually come from the Cora and Huichol Indians. Then, the serapes made with wool and chichicazatle, which is a vegetable fiber that produces a green color and has a tick texture usually comes from Oaxaca, San Pedro Mixtepec, Santa Catalina Zhanaguia, and San Juan Guivine. Another fascinating fact about serapes is that in 1835 during the Texan War, soldiers would wear this garment over their uniforms that were very different from what the commanders wore. This particular war limited the number of serapes that could be made because of the high demand of the soldiers. When done wearing them for fighting, the soldiers would take the serape and give it to their girlfriends or wives, other family members, or simply use it as adornment for their home. Without doubt, the Mexican serape is one garment that has a rich and diverse history. Today, serapes are just as popular, often used for garments, throws on the back of a couch, or an extra blanket on the bed to keep the chilly weather at bay. You can purchase serapes in Mexico and many South American’s country or you can find them online. With the connection to other countries through the internet, many weavers are taking advantage of the opportunity by selling beautiful serape creations online.

THE ARTIST – KUNISADA

2006-11-13T08:32:00.000-08:00

Kochoro Kunisada was a Japanese artist famous for his woodblock prints. During the Ukiyo-e period, many of these prints focused on the “floating world” image. Kunisada was particularly focused on this genre. For instance, one of his most famous woodblock prints is called Beauty with a Letter; Juronin with a Deer. What you would see in this case is a Buddha floating above the beauty. In this case, woodblock prints such as this were often associated with the Buddhist believe with the floatation being the illusory quality of life.

Typically, woodblock prints focused had a distinct focus on festivals and changing seasons, rituals, landscapes, and illustrations of poetry. However, at the end of the Edo period, all prints made had to be approved by the Japanese government prior to releasing and selling. With Kunisada, he would often take everyday scenes and transform them into something peaceful and serene.

In one instance, Kunisada added a dog, coupled with a beautiful woman sitting while reading a letter. However, the depiction in the woodblock print was the dog wanting to play, thus asking for her attention. In addition, you would see, as the dog is trying to interrupt the woman, she envisions Buddha in her mind, which signifies the value and honor of religion.

The interesting thing about Kunisada’s work is the influence of Buddha. Keep in mind that many woodblock prints were focused on people or scenes, not religion. Therefore, his special skill makes the demand for his prints much higher. This versatility has imprinted his name on Japanese history, making him one of the most interesting artist’s of this time.

THE ARTIST – KIYONAGA

2006-11-09T03:57:00.000-08:00

Known as Torii Kiyonaga, some of the greatest Bijinga prints created during the latter part of the 19^th century were done by this Japanese Ukiyo-e printmaker and painter. He began his career in the world of art in 1752, continuing until 1815. Having attended the Torii School, his name had been changed from Sekiguchi Shinsuke. His father was a bookseller in Edo.

Torii Kiyonaga was so well regarded by his master Torii that after the master’s death, he took over the school. Soon, he became recognized as one of the greatest masters of Nishiki-e, which is full-color print, as well as Bijinga, which are images of beautiful women. In addition, Torii Kiyonaga also focused some of his work on Kabuki actors and theatrical scenes, which were often used to help promote the theater and/or the show being performed.

One of Torii Kiyonaga’s legacies is that while he had a common upbringing, his paintings are exceptional and beautifully detailed. Many of the beautiful women shown in Torii Kiyonaga’s prints are seen are full and mature while his predecessor Harunobu, preferred to paint thin, young women. The bottom line is that both men had different tastes. However, it is also believed that since larger sheets of paper where used, it allowed better depiction.

Over time, another artist appeared on the scene by the name of Utamaro. He too painted woodblock prints of beautiful women but even fuller and more mature than what you saw from Torii Kiyonaga. While the paintings of women were gorgeous, the Kabuki scenes were somewhat on the plain side but still high in demand. Keep in mind that during this time, many of the other Japanese artists began painting actors but Torii Kiyonaga chose to stick with scenes and beautiful women.

By the late 18^th century, Kiyonaga’s work had matured. At this time, he created a number of masterpieces, again featuring full, mature, and beautiful women, along with theatrical scenes. While his work is of high artist quality, the fact that he was the first Asian artist to create perfect designs of full-length portraits shot him to success and fame.

THE ARTIST – KIYOHIRO TORII

2006-11-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

If you were to look back to the earliest Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, you would see that only Sumi ink was used, which was black. This particular ink was created by mixing soot with water. Because of the ink, the woodblock prints were called Sumizuri-e. However, from 1704 to 1715 during the Kanei and Shotoku periods, mineral pigment was used to create two to three colors, which was then called Tan-e.

Over the next 15 years during the Kyoho period, vegetable pigment was used. This ink was created from using Beni, which is a type of safflower, giving the prints a slight look of transparency. The prints using vegetable pigment soon changed to Beni-e, which resulted in prints that were brushed by hand but simply beautiful. Read More...

THE ARTIST – KAWASE HASUI

2006-11-05T15:30:00.000-08:00

This Japanese artist was not highly famous in Japan although he did make an impact in other countries. Ranked as one of the greatest of all woodblock print artists in Japan, his work is definitely unique and detailed. During the Shin Hanga movement, Kawase Hasui was one of the most talented and innovative masters. In fact, his work was so amazing that prior to his death, it was declared a “Living National Treasure”. Born as Bunjiro in Tokyo, his family were merchants. While many artists were focusing on Japanese styles, Kawase Hasui took interest in western styles. His first lesson pertaining to art was watercolor and oils, taught by Saburosuke Okada. As you can imagine, his family was not pleased with the direction his was taking, doing all they could to dissuade and even stop him. Determined to get Kawase Hasui to work in the family’s merchant business, a huge conflict arose, causing the company to fall into bankruptcy. Read More...

THE ARTIST – HOKUSAI

2006-10-31T07:31:00.000-08:00

Katsushika Hokusai was born in today’s Tokyo in 1760, a time when the name was Edo. Although his father made a living making mirrors, Hokusai took interest around the age of 18 in wood engraving. Wanting to further his commitment to woodblock prints, he entered Katsukawa Shunsho school, which was run by a man of the same name who was a magnificent painter and color print designer. What made Katsukawa so unique is his ability to push past traditions. Katsukawa’s focus was so intense that from 1796 go 1802, he produced upwards of 30,000 color prints and book illustrations.

Studying hard, Hokusai became quite skilled, producing the majority of his woodblock prints, landscape paintings, and silk screens from 1830 to 1840. Keep in mind that Hokusai was very diverse, studying a number of different styles. Unfortunately, this artist was very poor at one time but as a pupil interested in learning, he created beautiful woodblock prints. The fascinating aspect of this man was that while he went on to make a decent living, when he died in 1849, he made a statement from his bed that “If Heaven had lent me but five years more, I would have become a great painter”. In other words, this man was humble but incredibly talented.

When Hokusai died many of his woodblock prints along with other artists made their way to the western masters to include Vincent van Gogh. Because of this, his work is actually loved more in the western world than it is in his own country of Japan. While Hokusai created some amazing woodblock prints, one of his most famous is called “In the Hollow of a Wave off the Coast at Kanagawa”. This painting depicts a massive wave coming down on men in their boats. The backdrop of this beautiful painting is the famous Mount Fuji.

We know that Hokusai ended up authoring a 13-volume sketchbook along with block prints known as “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji”, one of which included the above-mentioned painting. Without doubt, his Ukiyo-e figures are considered among the best. However, Hokusai became famous for another genre – exotic prints done in the Shunga style. The interesting thing is that a number of his exotic paintings became marquees or advertisement for both theaters and brothels.

Another magnificent set of woodblock prints created by Hokusai is known as “Fukujuso”, which consists of 12 prints that honor and celebration passion and flesh. Although he stretched his imagination further than most, he was the inspiration for future artists wanting to push the envelope. What most people do not realize is that the famous “Whistler’s” painting was influenced by Hokusai’s work.

THE ARTIST – HIROSHI YOSHIDA

2006-10-10T05:29:00.000-07:00

Hiroshi Yoshida was a Japanese artist who was born in 1876 and died in 1950. Deemed a leader in the resurrection of Japanese printmaking after the Meiji period, you would see a blend of artists in this renewal known as Shin Hanga, which are new Japan or modern prints and Sosaku Hanga, which means creative prints or movement. Hiroshi Yoshida was born to a school principal teaching at an elementary institution. It was easy to see that Hiroshi Yoshida was extremely talented at a very young age. By the age of 18, he was allowed to study in a Tokyo private school. At first, Hiroshi Yoshida worked as a painter. This artist won a number of prizes for his exhibitions but not until 1920 was he working to create woodblock prints. Around that time, he was introduced to Watanabe Shozaburo who owned a print store in Tokyo. Along with several unknown but willful artists, Hiroshi Yoshida began painting woodblock prints with Watanabe publishing the first ever made. Read More...

THE ARTIST – HARUNOBU

2006-10-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

Suzuki Harunobu’s career of painting woodblock prints began in 1725 and lasted until 1770. As a student of Shigenaga, he soon became one of the most cherished of all Ukiyo-e style artists. In fact, historians tell us that Harunobu was an innovator. In 1765, he has credit for being the first artist to produce full-color prints, which meant the older style of two and three-color prints was put to rest. The other issue surrounding Harunobu that makes him unique is that he ventured away from standard techniques, coming up with new, innovative methods of painting. In addition, this artist was known for painting a large variety of things ranging from contemporary style beautiful women to classical poems. Just as many other famous artists from this period, Harunobu became involved with painting exotic women in the Shunga style. He was so detailed and skilled at what he did that a number of other artists began to imitate Harunobu’s style, actually allowing him to become known as an incredible master. Read More ...

New Latin Art Site

2006-08-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

Check out our new products. Our selection includes products from Mexico, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Argentina.

We have added these products to Asian Art Mall in a special section to allow you to combine items from both inventories on one order to save on shipping.

See our new Latin Arts and Crafts...

The Japanese art of Ukiyo-e

2006-08-11T07:04:00.000-07:00

The Japanese art of Ukiyo-e developed in the city of Edo (now Tokyo) during the Tokugawa or Edo Period (1615-1868). These two names refer to the relatively peaceful 250 years during which the Tokugawa shoguns ruled Japan and made Edo the shogunal seat of power. The social hierarchy of the day, officially established by shogun rulers, placed the merchants, the wealthiest segment of the population, at the lower end of the scale. With their political power effectively removed, the merchant class turned to art and culture as arenas in which they could participate on an equal basis with the elite upper classes (warriors, farmers, and artisans). It was the collaboration among the merchants, artists, publishers, and townspeople of Edo that gave Ukiyo-e its unique voice. In turn, Ukiyo-e provided these groups with a means of attaining cultural status outside the sanctioned realms of shogunate, temple, and court.Although Ukiyo-e was initially considered "low" art, by and for the non-elite classes, its artistic and technical caliber is consistently remarkable. Reading the images demands an extremely high level of visual, textual, and cultural literacy. From its earliest days, Ukiyo-e images and texts frequently referred to themes from classical, literary, and historical sources. At the same time, Ukiyo-e constantly expanded to reflect contemporary tastes, concerns, and innovations over the two and a half centuries of its development. The result was an art that was both populist (of and for the people, readily accessible, plentiful, affordable) and highly sophisticated. In summary, Ukiyo-e presented both the historical and all that was current, fashionable, chic, and popular. In the hands of the Ukiyo-e artist, the ordinary was transformed into the extraordinary. Source: United States Library of Congress