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Updates, New Venues, Deletions,
Corrections and Expanded details
refer to listings published in
Around Kaohsiung. A Community Guide.
Recommendations
refer to contributions offered since publication
for a specific topic/article/link
| DISCOVERY
AROUND THE WORLD (Shopping Mall) 1/99 |
BAKING IMPLEMENTS 7/99 |
| WOODY
CHIC (Furniture Store) 1/99 |
TIMESLESS TAIWAN
ABORIGINAL ARTS 8/99 |
| "Ming
Furniture Style"1/99 |
DRAGON FLY BEAD ARTS 8/99 |
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FINGA'S (Deli Order Form)
3/99 |
NIGHT AUCTIONS 9/99 |
| GEANT
4/99 |
GENERAL NUTRITION CENTER (GNC) 9/99 |
| TAIWAN
PATCHWORK TSUSHIN 4/99 |
VEGETARIAN FOODS STORE 9/99 |
| PEOPLE'S
MARKET 4/99 |
DAIMARU DEPARTMENT STORE 10/99 |
| WET
MARKET 4/99 |
PRESIDENT DEPARTMENT STORE 10/99 |
| TREASURE
ISLAND 5/99 |
MAKRO STORE
11/99 |
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SASA (Cosmetics)
5/99 |
9x9 (Office Supply & Staionery) 11/99 |
|
CAKE ORDER FORM
(For faxing to Costco) 5/99 |
WEEKEND FLEA MARKET 11/99 |
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FRAME SHOP 6/99 |
CHSIEH CHIA HUA STUDIO (gems, jewels and some surprises)3/00 |
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SIMMONS MATTRESS STORE 6/99 |
CRAFTS (from Nepal, Tibet & India)3/00 |
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CHERRY HILL ANTIQUES 6/99 |
TREASURE HOUSE ANTIQUES 3/00 |
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MR. JENG'S JEWELS 6/99 |
Back
Southern Taiwan is home to a number of people who trace their roots to the island’sBack
earliest inhabitants. Scholars generally recognize 9 indigenous tribes including the Paiwan.
They settled primarily in Ping Tung County, but gradually intermingled with others in the area.
The Paiwan maintain distinct customs and crafts, and are known for expressive wood
carvings, ceremonial earthenware pots and colorful beadwork based upon ancient legend….“A long time ago, a Peacock Prince lived among the clouds. One day he looked down and saw a young girl, the daughter of a powerful Chieftain. She was so beautiful he fell in love with her the moment he saw her. He scattered colorful beads in the mountains and the fields to get her attention. As the young girl gathered the beads, he won her love. And, together they flew away over the rainbow."
“Peacock Jewels” have been treasured by the Paiwan for generations. Every bead has its own name and
carries a magical power to convey wealth, honor, or protection. They are typically presented as wedding gifts
and are valued as family heirlooms. Dragonfly Studio offers distinctive items based on traditional designs.
Decorative glass beads are combined with brightly colored stones and knotted cords to create a variety of
ornaments. The studio, located in the aboriginal district of Santimen, was established in 1983 in the hopes of
reviving this unique aboriginal art. The studio may be contacted for special displays or sales.
Back
Just Recommended!
Timeless Taiwan. Aboriginal Arts
No. 8, Floor 3-3, Dah Yeong St.
Kang Shan. Kaohsiung County
Tel & Fax-number: (07)6254620
info@taiwan-aboriginal-art.com
Home Page
Rukai Weaving
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There’s More in Store Than Just Antiques. Solomon Chen & Karen Schmitt #358 Chingnien 1st Rd. Hsin Hsing
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Mr. Jiang, Lauban |
As I step inside the small shop , I am overwhelmed by the inventory. Heirloom porcelains balance on rosewood shelves, while centuries old tomb relics parade ceremoniously atop altar tables. Carved Buddhas crowd the walkways, and painted scrolls hide the walls. The competition is fierce, but I am on a MISSION. I am looking for the perfect wedding present for my friend....one I can afford. Mr. Jiang, the lauban, greets me with a friendly, “Welcome to my house of treasures”. He pours a cup of tea and invites me to take a seat. He’s quick to notice my glance towards a celadon glazed vase, and before I can blink it is placed within my reach. Soon, a black pottery vessel tucked inside a brocade box is brought to the table. Mr. Jiang hands it to me, saying “This is the oldest relic in my shop...made nearly 5,000 years ago.”. I take it reluctantly, and am surprised by its light weight and thin walled construction. And then, a third treasure appears. ”It’s the grandest of all. A rare Kuan Yao censor.” He produces documentation to support the claim and a similar piece, a forgery, so that I can compare the two. I realize that Mr. Jiang is not pressing a sale, but rather hopes to educate me. I succumb.Kuan Yao, or porcelain made in the imperial kilns of the Southern Sung Period (1127-1279), is exquisite to the touch. Its crackled glaze ranges from blue gray to jade green hues and borrows upon celadon technology of earlier imperial wares. Pieces were typically hand built, but some were thrown on the potter’s wheel. Ornamentation was always kept to a minimum, so Kuan Yao has a quiet regal feeling. The most distinguishing feature is the unglazed lip. Pieces were placed in the kiln upside down which protected edges from glaze coating. The majority of Kuan Yao currently on display in museums or held by collectors comes from 2 kiln sites in Hangzhou, however another kiln site was unearthed at Hsioneisu Province × ¤º ¥q just 3 years ago. It was established shortly after Emperor Gao Song fled further southward to escape turmoil within the Song Court. Naturally, the Emperor was in need of ritual items even under duress, so his craftsmen were tasked to provide
vases, bowls, censors, ink brush holders and water droppers. There are very few examples from this kiln site that
are on the market today. Of all the Chinese porcelains, Kuan Yao fetches the highest prices. They are always perfect in every aspect since production was directed by the Emperor. Hundreds of pieces were purposefully broken if they didn’t measure up to standards. Handling porcelain and pottery is the best way to recognize authenticity. With today’s technologies
it’s easy to recreate forgeries. And, there are lots of tricks to fool potential customers. For example, contemporary crackle glaze ware can be soaked in dark tea to cast a convincing “patina”.
I was enjoying every moment of my lesson, but was suddenly distracted by a delicious odor coming from the kitchen. Mrs. Jiang had prepared a heaping plate of steamed shrimp for us to enjoy while looking at more porcelain treasures. About an hour later, I said farewell. I hadn’t made a purchase, but I found much more in store than I had bargained for.....a gracious host who shared expertise in a friendly way. It was the best “treasure” of all.
PS: I’ve been back to the Treasure House on several occasions with others for a lesson on antique glass and clay beads from Africa, Europe and Asia.
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