Monday, January 23, 2012

Year of the dragon...


Today is the Chinese new year...and this year is the year of the dragon which is a very positive sign denoting prosperity and success.
 
Because I have had a long time interest in Chinese and Asian culture, I have a acquired a few items over the years that I enjoy though I have mixed Japanese and Chinese culture together.

 


There are other things throughout our home, but these are right next to me so I snapped a quick photo. In fact, our daily dinner ware is often the rice pattern that you see in Asian restaurants...I have a large collection of  inexpensive plates, bowls, tea cups, etc. that we use every day.   

The little doll in the box a Katsuraningyo with six wigs.   She is an older, smaller one with a Gofun head  and very cute... as is the taller doll.  (Gofun is obtained from crushed oyster shells.)  Since 1873, Japan celebrates New Year's Day the same day that we do...with the Gregorian calendar. Before that it was celebrated the same day as the lunar new year. 



The teapots are Chinese Yixing teapots and I have others that are smaller. Some say these pots make the finest tea. They used to be somewhat rare here but are much easier to find these days. I have others that are very small...I find them enchanting.  I have mixed in other small items that please my eye and they all reside on the same book shelf.


Speaking of tea pots, I think I will go make a cup of tea!  Care to join me?  As the new year continues to unfold in many cultures and my Chinese friends celebrate,

enjoy the day!












5 comments:

l.wilks11 said...

What an interesting post. Lots of information for the Chinese New Year.The only dragon i have got is on a large vintage table cloth. I will have to get it out to celebrate.......xx

April said...

Oh my goodness! Do you know I had that same doll with the wigs when I was little!!! Living near San Francisco (China Town) my Dad would often come home with a treasure. Unfortunately the treasures are all long gone but how wonderful to see the doll again! Yes, I'll join you in hot tea right now, Helen!

Helen Priem said...

Oh Helen this is a feast for the eyes ! I love the Japanese dolls, my mother had an antique Japanese boy doll and I love them ever since !
I also love the Chinese tea-pots !
Thank you for letting us peep inside !

Simply Shelley said...

I would love to join you for tea :)
Interesting post today...thanks for sharing....blessings

Flutterby Patch said...

I love oriental stuff. You seem to have a very interesting and colourful collection. I like the idea of grouping it together for greater impact.