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Posted 6 years ago
MyMarialva
(2 items)
Lotus flowers and tassels are depicted on this large metal piece of Wall Art. I have been trying to identify this gorgeous piece, but honestly have no idea what you would call it. Your advise is much appreciated.
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Please would you give the dimensions of this piece? Where did you get it from? Thanks & welcome to CW!
Dimensions are 13.5” x 10” without the ball and hook. The item is metal. It was an auction find and i was thrilled to get it.
Looks antique Japanese gilded copper ornament, the size is huge, possibly a special screen or knocker for a door....? Never seen anything like it, the design is Beautiful, thanks for posting it.
Thank you my friend. I thought it might be Japanese but did not think door knocker.
Interesting !!!
i think it's Chinese.
ho2, why do you think Chinese?
My reason for Japanese is the tasseled cord bow, which is a cultural Japanese silk knotted accessory they used a lot to wrap and tie things, as well as a decorative motif.
I have owned Japanese vases with these bows on each side of them instead of handles. See this link for a small jar:
https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/46/52082/24815459_1_x.jpg?version=1393451460&format=pjpg&auto=webp&quality=50
What does the back side of it look like?
Chinese pieces use the tassled cord as well.
Japanese aesthetics are more asymmetrical, whereas Chinese aesthetics are symmetrical.
Good reasons ho2, I still think it's Japanese because it has nothing specifically Chinese in it's motifs and decor, which is rare. So I agree to disagree. :-)
The tassel and cord is actually called a 'Chinese Knot' - even in Japan and is loaded with important symbolism. The lotus is the most important flower in Chinese symbolism, whereas cherry flowers are the most important in Japan.
The lotus is just as important to the Japanese as it represents Guyanin, the goddess of purity from their Buddhist beliefs shared with China. The daisy and the clematis are also important as symbols of the Emperor and the Empress of Japan.
They are more likely to represent it in a natural scene such as this with a pond, and water. A Japanese fabric with a dense motif, it would depend on the object how the symmetry is applied in this case.
https://img1.wantitall.co.za/prodimages/lunarable-japanese-fabric-by-the-yard-exotic-vintage-lotus-flower-buds-stems-in-pond-flying-butterfl__61S7z%7C72oYL.jpg
The Chinese use a stylised design based on the Indian Lotus and Stem, which you see often on the China ware.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51b1ZQSKojL._AC_UL320_SR232,320_.jpg
There is much similarity between the two country's decorative motifs, I spent two years on the internet doing simple appraisal about the difference for a small sum of money. Why does it matter? Some collectors want to know, some dealers want to know, as the 1930s cruel invasion of China by Japan has not been forgotten .
Ho2, do you have a source for this information?
the info is pretty easy to find. just google 'chinese knot'.
Seems that both cultures made an art form of knot tying with material cords, silk in the old days.
If you google Chinese knots you get many variations of the large infiniti knots, with no bows.
If you google Japanese knots you get both, with many other variations. There are even published books about intricate knot making.
Here is a Utube video to show one of the Japanese bow knots.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0xkjAWeSzw
If you want to use google for your information that is your choice. As you know, since I have helped you in particular in the past to identify Asian objects, my only purpose is too explore the most likely answer for the PO's questions. Does not mean I am 100% correct all the time. But I do try. :-)
Far from me to be the messenger of any kind of news, just try to help the PO, anyway you both know ME quite well.
But i summit both pictures to a friend of mine that help a lot for many pieces that i own, he have an Antique shop downtown Toronto for 40 years, he specialize in Asian Antique, so, Japanese,Chinese, Korean etc.....
He told me that this item was Chinese and fairly new, third quarter of 20 Century.
Alan
Thank you for all the comments. So if it’s fairly new that’s ok, but what is it and what is it called? Oh and btw I still love it.
MyMarialva, it's not really important, it's new, old or whatever you want to call, in the first place you get this, because you LIKE it, that it.
I will send another email to my friend, this time i will ask what he think this is.
Alan
I was lucky, he answer me right away, quote" This is a harmonious and auspicious bronze ware; put in the home, show domestic life harmony".
On is little support it is the perfect display item, decorative purpose, most importantly, symbolism of Harmony.
Alan
Alen2310 thank you my friend! Perfect ????