Posted by admin on Jun 17, 2010 in
Uncategorized Incense, from the Latin incendere which means “to burn, is composed of aromatic biotic materials, which release fragrant smoke when burned. In various cultures it is used in religious ceremonies, aromatherapy, meditation, masking odors, and for medicinal purposes. The origin may have been Ancient Egypt, where gums and resins of aromatic trees were used in religious ceremonies to gratify the gods. From these many cultures we find incense in several different formats including cones, sticks, powders, coils, and rope.
Materials used and the manner in which incense was constructed varied largely across the world, however they can include: woods and barks, seeds and fruits, resins and gums, leaves, roots, flowers and buds, and even animal-derived materials. These items can also be used as a based from which to extract essential oils or pastes that can become the base for incense. Incense made in this manner can be considered of a lower aromatic complexity or quality when infused with these extracts, as compared to incense made directly from the raw materials themselves. An even cheaper version can be made by synthesizing the oil from chemicals rather than natural materials.
Liquids, such as essential oils, are added to a combustible base for direct-burning incense. This not only binds the burning material together, but allows for a slow and even burn that enables the scent to permeate gradually. There are two primary sources for this: fuel/oxidizer mixtures such as charcoal and wood, and natural plant-based binders. Indirect burning incense requires a separate heat source, as it does not ignite. The heat source may be a hot coal or embers, and the incense itself could be whole, powdered/granulated, or in a paste that is made with dried fruit, honey, or resin.
Tags: Home Decor, incense
Posted by admin on May 15, 2010 in
Uncategorized It’s been a busy few weeks! Last Saturday found us at Oddmall, in Hudson, Ohio. This craft fair had an awesome array of beautiful jewelry, crocheted/knitted items, and other creations representing all that is strange and wonderful – we had a great time!
Today we’re down at the Castle Shannon flea market to try out a different style of audience and take some of our unique “one-offs” to sell. If you’re in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, come down and visit!
More progress on the site…check out our new sake sets and sushi sets
Tags: conventions
Posted by admin on Apr 26, 2010 in
Home Decor Chinese guardian lions, also called Fu (or Foo) Lions, lions of Buddha, or sometimes stone lions, are always shown in pairs. Typically, the male will be playing with a ball and the female will be shown with a cub.
These mythic lions are also often called Fu Lions. Fu means ‘prosperity’ in Chinese; however, the term “Fu Lion,” and its variant Foo Lion, are not used in Chinese. Instead, they are known as Rui Shi (瑞獅) (“auspicious lions”) or simply Shi (“lions”). A symbol of strength and protection, these lions are frequently seen outside of buildings such as hotels an restaurants, and are also used in Feng Shui.
Foo lions vary in style, and are influenced by different time periods, different dynasties, and the many regions of China. They may be shown as fierce or serene and made if plain stone or adorned with jewels and brightly painted colors.
The ones seen here were photographed at a hotel I recently visited, but you can add stone foo lions to your garden or even miniature ones to guard your desk!
Tags: china, decor, lions
Posted by admin on Mar 22, 2010 in
Garden Decor Bonsai, written with the characters for tray/basin 盆 and plantation/planting 栽 in Japanese and is basically the art of growing trees in containers. These “miniature” trees are acheived through careful pruning and shaping over time -despite their size, some Bonsai trees are hundreds of years old!
Most commonly you’ll see evergreen Bonsai trees, as they maintain their color year round. However, any type of tree or woody plant can make a good Bonsai – flowering trees and fruit trees make particularly attractive choices. Starting from seedlings can be difficult, so if you’re looking to create your own Bonsai tree I recommend starting with a trip to your local nursery or home store. Choose a “tree-like” bush or plant that has a thicker trunk and matches the style you want to emulate. You should choose a younger plant on the smaller side, to maximize the flexibility you’ll have in working with it. My favorite for making Bonsai trees are Azaleas – beautiful colors and a hardy disposition make this plant particularly well-suited.
There really is no right or wrong way to make your own Bonsai – the photo below shows a much taller version, suitable for gracing a larger room. Your version might be only a few inches tall through a few feet – be creative and have fun with it!
Check out some of our new Bonsai trees
Tags: bonsai, garden
Posted by admin on Mar 2, 2010 in
Garden Decor Zen gardens, also known as Japanese rock gardens (karesansui 枯山水) or “dry landscape gardens” as they do not include water. Instead, gravel or sand is used to mimic the look of water. To create “ripples” Zen priests use various sizes of rakes to drag patterns through the “water” as a meditating experience to focus their concentration. Stone and other natural elements are used to represent mountains, waterfalls, trees, and other aspects of a miniaturized landscape. In the Zen garden shown below, gravel plays the part of water while larger rocks give the illusion of land. Rocks and shrubs mimic the effect of a sparse landscape, allowing the viewer to focus on the “water”.
To create an authentic Zen garden in your own backyard, the key is to stick with natural elements common to your region rather than attempt to infuse too many Japanese influences. Follow the landscape you have – work with the natural curves of hills, streams, and trees that already exist rather than attempt to change them. For accent pieces, draw your inspiration from plants and flowers that are common to your area – but feel free to scale down for a miniature look to your Zen garden.
Though if you’d like to have an easy to care for piece of Zen in your office or home, a miniature desk Zen garden is always a good option!
Tags: Garden Decor, zen garden
Posted by admin on Feb 22, 2010 in
Buddhist decor In temples throughout Asia, gongs or bells are used to mark events – similar to school bells ringing to indicate the beginning and end of classes. In the morning, a monk will ring the gong to wake the other monks. A layman will often ring the gong for breakfast and lunch, while it is typically another monk that will sound the gong calling the monks to prayers.
This gong came from a temple in Thailand, and was created around the turn of the 20th century. As a decorative piece, this one is held by two winged dragons, whose intertwining tails support the gong in the center. Small Buddhist statues can be seen at the base of each column as well.
Tags: Buddhist decor, gong, temple
Posted by admin on Feb 17, 2010 in
Garden Decor This garden buddha is a Thai buddha, making the Bhumisparsa Mudra gesture of Subduing Mara – meaning Calling the Earth to Witness. The left hand lies in the lap, palm upward. The right hand bends over the right knee, with fingers slightly touching the ground.
During meditation, Siddhartha is subjected to many temptations many posed by the evil Mara, who bombards him with his demons , monsters, violent storms and his three seductive daughters. The Buddha remains steadfast. Then to testify to Mara of his meritorious past, he points to the earth with his hand and calls the Earth Goddess Thorani. She rises from the ground and wrings the water from her long black hair, raising a torrential flood that drowns Mara and his army of demons.
This gesture symbolizes enlightenment, as well as steadfastness and it is the most common Buddha gesture in Thai wats.
Tags: buddha statues, Garden Decor
Posted by admin on Feb 17, 2010 in
store updates We’ve recently launched our new Asian Gift Store at www.asian-gift-store.com! Our Far East Boutique blog will offer information on Asian decor and style, tidbits of history from the Far East, our latest postings on eBay & Amazon, and our upcoming convention schedule. We’re just getting started, but we’re excited to make 2010 a busy year!