Asian Art dates back centuries which makes it one of the oldest forms of art currently available. When you think of art, the first thing that most likely comes to your mind is paintings. What you may not know, however, is that there are many different types of Asian art like wooden Burmese statues, Buddha statues, copper statues, and lacquerware, to name a few.
Burma, which is now known as Myanmar, has a long standing reputation for crafting unique, quality art work. The Burmese people, heavily influenced with Buddhism, have produced a number of Burmese statues. Some lesser known lacquerware that are treasured from Burma are Burmese Manuscripts. These ornate manuscripts of religious texts, which are still in use today to ordain monks, can be easily identified by their extravagant decoration that gleams with gold and silver. Sometimes, you will even find a mother-of-pearl inlay.
Moreover, Buddhist art are popular artifacts found in many Asian homes today. The Buddha statues are often considered sacred artifacts and have been used in assisting with meditation which helps to embody a clear mind and soul. They are generally cast of bronze or brass and are produced by taking a mold from an existing bronze image, then using this mold to fabricate identical forms of the same image. You will sometimes find the images of Buddha in a reclining position, holding symbolic objects or making symbolic gestures. Nearly all cast-metal reproduction Buddha images are hollow and contain a core, rather than being formed of solid metal.
Additionally, Lacquerware are objects sealed in a lacquer coating to preserve an object. Like icing on a cake, the lacquer object, when set, can then be decorated. You will find Burmese and Sukhothai lacquerware like boxes, trays, bowls, plates, cups, and betel nut boxes. These items are sought after by Asian art collectors and make a fine addition to any contemporary Asian home. Betel nut boxes, can be found in nearly every traditional Burmese home. The boxes are cylindrical in shape and woven with bamboo.
Inside the box you find shallow trays for the purpose of holding the essential items for making betel. The betel was probably the first chewing gum and lipstick as it was often chewed by young Burmese women as a beauty aid to redden their lips. Sukhothai Lacquerware are mainly old Burmese objects that have been restored, re-lacquered and decorated with the typical bamboo inlay distinctive of the Sukhothai style. There are only a few families remaining that are still mastering this craft and their uniqueness tends to be a collectors item.
The exceptional quality workmanship and attention to detail on Asian art pieces are nothing short of spectacular. We are certain that you will treasure these fine works of art for years to come. You can find many of these works of art in private collections, museums and by shopping an online art gallery.
Oriental Living has been offering Asian art since 1991. Their online art gallery has unique artifacts, lacquerware, buddha statues and other museum quality contemporary Asian art that you will treasure for years to come.
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