 Bamboo |
The first design that I create for any of our lanterns or silk hangings is always one of bamboo. Several of my Chinese art history books note that bamboo was the first subject ever painted. Bamboo brushes rendered in ink on silk images that today are still breathtakingly beautiful. "One of the finest statements about the relationship of artist to bamboo was penned by the Song-dynasty poet (1037-1101) about his friend Wen Tong (1019-79):
When Wen Tong painted bamboo, Like the Daoist philosopher Zhuangzi, who did not know whether he was a man dreaming he was a butterfly or a butterfly dreaming he was a man, the expressed ideal of the artist was to become so involved with the subject that distinctions of separate existence would disappear." (Views from the Jade Terrace, pg. 67) Bamboo can do that to you! All the Shoji Lantern designs are available on a hanging lantern.
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 Crane |
Inspired by the elegant graceful crane in silhouette I created this design. One can well understand why in the language of symbolism, which is of the most profound importance in Chinese art, these images are used to transcend our 'everyday life'. Cranes are often considered representing 'the family'. The fidelity of the coupled parent birds is admirable, expressing the peace found in a sustained relationship.
All the Shoji Lantern designs are available on a hanging lantern. | ||
 Dragon |
Chinese dragons represent 'life force' or 'chi' ..... energy! My original design has the dragon stepping down from the sky and into the ocean ....the circle of life on our lovely little planet. As Jacques Couseau once stated, "I am the sea ..... and the sea is me"....indeed!
All the Shoji Lantern designs are available on a hanging lantern. | ||
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Tree |
These beautiful oaks grow in Northern California, near where my father used to live. They are an inspiration to all who stand in their grace. All the Shoji Lantern designs are available on a hanging lantern. | ||