Paul Reny Antiques & Collectibles

All eyes turned to China for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. And with so much interest in the exotic Eastern hemisphere, it’s fitting to highlight some of the beautiful, unique gifts produced in the country.

There are many stunning handicrafts from China, but a few capture the imagination in particular: the exquisite lacquer ware, the beautiful snuff bottles (both antique and new) and the striking animal sculptures, specifically the Tang horses. And all three of these artistic handicrafts have fascinating histories.

1) Lacquer ware has a long and rich tradition in Asia, and throughout history highly skilled and talented artisans have carried out the art of “lacquering”. Lacquer has been produced since prehistoric times as a compound to protect and decorate a wide array of objet d’art and furniture.

Lacquer is made from urushi (the Japanese name for the plant,) and is collected as milky sap from the trees. Once the sap is collected, it is stirred, heated and filtered. The lacquer hardens as the result of a chemical reaction that takes place; and the resulting material is hard and durable, and resistant to water, acids, scratches and heat. In fact, high quality lacquer is so durable that some lacquer ware has been recovered from archaeological digs and underwater sites – still in good condition.

The finest lacquer products are made of solid hardwoods. The lacquer is applied to the wood in very thin layers and each layer is left to cure for a day or longer. It is then polished and another layer is applied. Then the process is repeated until the artisan is satisfied with the finish. The production of lacquered objects is a painstaking process involving many steps and often involves a series of craftsmen. And it’s important to note: many modern pieces are never touched by human hands – machines apply the lacquer. But the best pieces have all been through a hand-poured process. This accounts for the extreme smoothness and beauty of those products.

Some of the most beautiful lacquer ware gifts on the market today include serving trays, boxes for storing jewelry, pens and other accessories, and picture frames.

2) Chinese snuff bottles were used during the Qing Dynasty to hold powdered tobacco. Snuff was considered a remedy for common complaints like headaches, stomach upsets and the common cold. Because it was considered a “medicine,” it was carried in small bottles like other medicines.

There are several different types of snuff bottles; but one that has always enjoyed tremendous popularity is called inside painted. These bottles are made of glass, and have pictures, and sometimes calligraphy, painted on the inside surface of the glass. They are very unique, and exceptionally beautiful. To view a collection of stunning (and pricey) antique snuff bottles, visit the site of London antiques dealer, Robert Hall. Fortunately, there are also a number of companies that sell new snuff bottles that are very attractive, and more moderately priced. A snuff bottle would make a delightful gift for anyone who appreciates unique, artistic pieces.

3) The Tang horse has been a popular design for centuries. The striking sculpture takes its name from the Tang Dynasty, when the horse was one of the most popular animal sculptures found in burial chambers of the wealthy during that time.

The Tang Dynasty is regarded as a high point in Chinese civilization; and the horse played an important role. The Chinese looked upon their horses as partners in military campaigns – not just beasts of burden. Consequently, the horse became a symbol of its owner’s status, and was held in high esteem for its strength and power.

Eileen Carr of The Dayton Art Institute precisely and evocatively described the art of the Tang horse: “Sculptures of the horse emphasize its elegance and strength, as if emphasizing qualities of the prosperous and powerful Tang dynasty itself.” Antique Tang horses are very valuable and expensive; but luckily, a number of companies make very attractive replicas.

Chinese lacquer ware, Chinese snuff bottles, the Chinese Tang horse: all wonderful examples of beautiful, ancient and modern Chinese crafts – and all wonderful ideas for beautiful and contemporary gifts.

Patricia Campbell is the founder and president of Bella Figura USA, an online boutique specializing in artisan home and fashion accessories, and eco-chic gifts from around the world. Ms. Campbell writes for several blogs, including Savvy Style, The Gift Corner and Travels With Bella Figura USA. To find a wide variety of unique, luxury gifts, visit us at http://www.bellafigurausa.com/ (And be sure and join our VIP mailing list and receive a “Welcome” gift.)

Carving a snuff bottle for painting

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