2010年11月16日星期二

Elegant Chinese Qipao

Qipao is one of the Chinese classical dresses in China, reflecting the traditional elegance and good looking of Eastern people. In Qing Dynasty, the Chinese Qipao was welcomed by ladies of the royal family. Perhaps we have heard from many legends about Qipao, we do not know whether those story are true or not, but one thing is certain is that Chinese cheongsam shows the beauty of Eastern Women. Qipao, the classic dress for Chinese women, combines the elaborate elegance of Chinese tradition with unique elements. The patterns of Chinese dresses Qipao, combines Peony which symbolizes richness and prosperity; Lotus which stands for purity and holiness, etc.


Asian dresses Qipao usually makes of excellent materials, such as silk, silk brocade, satin and has different kinds of colors. Because of its particular charming, Chinese cheongsam becomes a wonderful flower in the colorful fashion scene, blooms colorful in the fashion world. No matter which occasion you were in, it leaves a deep impression of simple, quiet and elegant. The elegance and neatness of Qipao, making the women totally get into fully displayed. Nowadays, Qipaos are popular around the world; we usually can see them in traditional Chinese weddings, entertainment and hospitality industries. It opens up the elegant and charming of the Chinese women, and occupies a certain share in the international market.



As time goes by, more and more people appreciate the beauty of Chinese dresses. Even today, Chinese cheongsam is still a part of Chinese brilliant culture, and gradually evolved into a fashion which was welcomed both at home and abroad.

2010年11月10日星期三

Chinese Shadow Play

Known as a precursor of modern movie, shadow play is a kind of drama in which silhouettes made of animal’s leather are projected onto a white screen. The performer manipulates the characters behind the screen while singing the libretto to tell the story. The story-telling is accompanied by music and it is also a culture of singing and talking.

The shadow puppets are made of buffalo and donkey’s leather and Chinese shadow artists first carve out the lines of the design and then dye them in bright colors. These transparent puppets become very lively and beautiful under the lamp light. The shadow puppet is the wisdom crystallization of Chinese artists, it is also a popular handiwork in northern cities of China.

The Shadow Play has a history of over 2000 years, which originated during the Han Dynasty (B.C202-A.D 220) when one of the concubines of Emperor Wu died. The emperor was so devastated that ignored the affairs of state, and he summoned his court officers to bring his beloved back to life. The officers got an idea and made a shape of the concubine using donkey leather. Her joints were animated using 11 separate pieces of the leather, and adorned with painted clothes. Using an oil lamp they made her shadow move, bringing her back to life. After seeing the shadow play, Emperor Wu began to recover. Then the love story was recorded in the book of “The History of the Han Dynasty”.

A balladry from Shaan Xi Province described what shadow play is iconically. That is:
Folk Shadow Play
Speaking behind paper partition screen,
Expressing variable feelings by shadows,
One shadow play actor can tell thousand years stories,
Both hands can operate millions of soldiers.

Recent years, in many areas, certain types of plays and the art of performance are actually nearing fading away. Fortunately, shadow play is alive and well-preserved in some places in China which reflects the increasing value of it.

Chinese Silver Accessories

Among the 55 ethnic groups in China, the Miao are known for elaborate embroidery and exquisite work with silver. Nowadays, they can flaunt their own handwork at the Miao Silver Accessory Festival in Southwest China.

The Miao people have been deeply enamored with silver since ancient times. For more than 400 years, it's been the custom to decorate oneself head to toe, with silver. A full set can weigh up to ten kilograms. The purpose of wearing all this silver is of course primarily aesthetic, but they are also worn as amulets to ward off evil, and as symbols of wealth. The clothes bear strong cultural message. The patterns range from ancient totem to historic legend. Historians view it as the "Wearable History Book". Each ornament is an exquisite work of art and sparkles with the wisdom of the Miao people. The fancy Miao silver accessories include silver hat, silver horns, silver comb, silver ear-rings, neckband, necklace, bracelet, etc. Silver takes special importance in Miao culture. The craft has developed into a unique art form, and a carrier of the culture. Now besides for their own use, the Miao costume and accessory have developed into unique form of folk art and become a collector's item and tourism souvenir.

If your silver accessories are turning tarnish, please rub the piece gently with a silver-cleaning cloth, or clean it with a soft-bristle toothbrush using a little silver-cleaning paste. Please rub gently with a back-and-forth or up-and-down motion (not in circles), rinse, then blot dry with a clean, soft cloth.

Beautiful Chinese Porcelain Tea Sets

About the ceramic in China, we can date back over two thousands years ago. Porcelain, also called 'fine china', featuring its delicate texture and beautiful color. It was the earliest porcelain which was found in the Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC). Chinese ancient potteries industry had splendid, unique achievements, not only commodities, but also artworks such as porcelain and ceramic.
As time goes by, tea became a daily beverage. The process of brewing tea required less equipment that could easily use in home. Thus, the teapot was born, for bringing people convenience and enjoyable feelings. The earliest Chinese teapots were fairly simple which made of common clay, left unadorned. Oscar Wilde once said that beauty is a form of genius as it needs no explanation. Yes, that’s Chinese porcelains. It has been loved and admired by the people, as its pleasing color, great sculpture, light, compact and exquisite. In addition, its high resistance of electricity and heat also attracted people. Nowadays, porcelains are used commonly in every family, particular in bowls, cups, kettles, etc.



Gradually, the style of ceramic art has become various and full of artistic charm. Chinese porcelain, with its high qualities and impeccable elegant and beauty, are great welcomed to the people from all over the world. Sip a Chinese porcelain cup of tea; you will enjoy the wonderful taste. Whether a formal gathering or hang out with friends, porcelain cups always add to the charm of every occasion.

In short, Chinese porcelains reflect the traditional styles. As the Chinese culture, it is letting people gain greater recognition both at home and abroad.